egwù

tibànyèlù n’ụnò afù A bandit broke into that house

òtu àbànì dì egwù

gang of bandits

àbànì 2.

royal sword, double-edged and made of brass, with which the

king touches the ozì gong to direct the sounding of the war-

drums and leads his soldiers to war (also mmā àbànì)

àbị, àbịì

yam cv. (sausage-shaped)

abìà

music played on ìgbà ogwè, a tall standing drum, when great

warriors die

abō

long basket used for fishing (also ǹkàtà abō)

àbọ

plantation

abòsì

shrub whose twigs are used for chewing-sticks and for

àkàloògòlì figures

àbù

A. plant resembling aŋā, used for its fibres

B. the rope made from it

abukè

wooden vessel used for carrying

abùke

(usu. òkụkù abùke) kind of fowl which never grows to a

large size but is tough (usually used for sacrifice)

abụ 1.

pus

abụ 2.

cat-like animal that sleeps by day, probably the Two-Spotted

Palm Civet or genet

abù 1.

armpit

àkpà abù

boil in armpit

abù 2.

song; solo

abù akwā

A. song (esp Song of Solomon)

B. mourning song

abù mbido

opening song

abù mgbasà

dismissal song

abù mmeli

victory song

abù nchèta

memorial song

abù ochiè

old hymn book

abù òtuto

songs of praise

abù ọfụū

new hymn book

abù ọma

psalm

-bù abù

sing (a solo)

òkwa àbù

soloist

àbùa

num.

two (= ìbùa, ìbùọ)

abụba

feather; leaf; fibre

àbùbà

fat

-ma àbùbà

be fatty, plumpy, fat: Mkpi ǹkaà màlù àbùbà This he-goat is

fat, or, the meat of this he-goat is fatty

abụbọ

vegetables

nni abụbọ

food prepared with vegetables

abụbù

used in:

abụbù akwū

pounded palm nut fibre left after removal of kernels

àbùbù 1.

patches of grass brought down and abandoned by the flood

àbùbù 2.

used in:

àbùbùụ jī

cooked yam mashed to feed child or for sacrifice

abụzù

mole-cricket (edible)

àchàlà

generic name for coarse grass or straw, including bamboo

(Oxytenanthera sp.), elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum)

and spear-grass (Imperata cylindrica).

òpi àchàlà Peugeot 404

achị

hip-joint

achịcha

see asịsa

àchìchà

A. biscuit; cake;

B. dried food (prepared by boiling plantain or banana and

cutting it up into small bits, after removing the skin, and

drying it in sun. In the dry form this is stored in a bag and

preserved in ùko till used. It is then measured out like beans

and steeped in water for a few minutes, removed and wrapped

in balls with leaves and boiled. It is then emptied on to boiled

pieces of yam or cocoyam, sometimes with vegetables added,

and stirred and rolled thoroughly with other ingredients -

pepper, oil, etc. - and served)

Adà 1.

A. a warlike people living to the north of the Ọhafịa, who

traditionally acted as head-hunting mercenaries to the Nike

and the Arụ

B. a feast, celebrated to commemorate a victory of Onitsha

North people over the Ada, in which large numbers of small

masquerades throw sticks and stones at people

adà 2., ada

a fall

-dà adà

fall; fall down (usually of persons ( -dà 1.)

adà akā

ganglion, tumour on arm or hand

àda

eldest daughter; chief woman of family; loosely used for all

daughters

àda èzè

princess

àda ìbà

daughter of the family; female name

àda mmā

fine daughter (used to praise a small girl); also female name

àda nne nnà

paternal aunt

àda nne nnē

maternal aunt

àda Ǹrì

female palace dwarf associated with Ezē Ǹrì

àda òrà

daughter of all; female name

Nwaāda

A. same as àda (for petting)

B. female name

ụmū āda

group of married women who originate from a particular town

and, even though they are usually married outside it, influence

the affairs, of their home town and particularly the women

who marry into it.

àdakā 1.

baboon (also used to abuse someone)

àdakā 2.

(also egbē ādakā) type of locally-made gun

Àdo

an old name for Onitsha people

ute Ādo (= ute

stiff mat used in burial ceremonies, in roofing, and to make

mkpàla)

shelters

àdù

bitter kola (Garcinia kola Heckel)

adù

creeping plant with edible fruit, like potato in appearance

afa

divination; shells of native mango fruit strung together and

used by medicine men in divination

àkpà afā

diviner’s bag

-gba afa

practise divination. This is part of the work of certain native

doctors. A collection of various objects is used, including

human and animal teeth, cowries, seeds, coins, pieces of bone,

seeds of certain plants. This collection is kept in a container.

Divination is then carried out by collecting these objects in the

hand and throwing them on the floor or table, picking them up

and repeating the throwing one or several times more. The

diviner then remains silent or mutters some incantation. He

stares steadily at the objects for some minutes, then directs his

gaze to his client, to whom he tells the revelation of the

divination. Before concluding this report he can throw the

objects once, twice or more times with the necessary

additional revelation. He sometimes takes up some of the

objects and gives them special attention. Some diviners tie the

objects of divination to a string. The throwing is then done in

this form

afà

name; sort; kind

afā Ìgbò i

your Igbo name

afà ị

your personal name

afà nnà ị

your father’s name, surname

afā ōtutu

name by which someone is called on solemn occasions;

praise-name

afà Oyìbo ī

your English name

-ba afà

give a name

-fo afà

mention; mention name

-fota afà

make mention; mention

-gù afà

name; give a name to

-kpọ afà

call by name; name

-malụ afà

be well-known, important:

A màlù afà ya

He is well-known

A mārọ afà ya

No one has heard of him; he is unknown

-tu afà

extol; salute by title, nickname

-za afà

bear a name; answer to one’s name

àfaà

title given to chiefs

àfè

dress; clothes; sewn garment; mask

àfe mmọọ

mask of the masquerader; masquerader’s cloth

àfè ọnū

see àfù ọnū

àfè ụkà

cloth, garment, robe set aside and devoted to wearing to

service; Sunday clothes

àfè ụlā

night-gown

aka àfè

garment sleeve

onye àfè ojiī

policeman (-woman)

-wopù àfè

put off clothes

-yi àfè

wear cloth

-yili àfè

put on clothes:

Yili àfè gị kà ànyị je Ukà Put on your clothes and let us go to

Church

afele

plate; flat dish

afele nsansa

flat plate

afele ōwịwa

breakable dish

afele ùkòlò

hollow plate

-gbacha afele

clean the plate (of food)

afịa

market; trade:

Afịa yā dachìghàlù àzụ, màkà nà o nwērọ ike ịzū ego e

nyèlù ya His trade declined because he could not build up his

capital

afịa ōlile

merchandise; commodity

àtụmafịa

commission to buy in the market; order

-gba afịa

trade

-ghọ afịa

suffer loss in trade

ife afīa

small edible articles bought by women for their children

izù afīa

market week of four days

-kpọba afịa

expose, display wares for sale

-kwalụ afịa

pack and move wares away

-le afịa ọkshòm

sell wares at an auction

onye afīa

merchant; customer; trader

ọmà afīa

centre of market

ọnụ afīa

price; market price; cost

-sù afịa

A. flood the market (of excess commodity):

Azù sùlù afịa The market is flooded with fish:

Akpụkpọ ụkwū m zūtalụ n’Àba n’ọnwa gālụ agâ sùlù afịa

The shoes I bought from Aba last month were sold at a loss

B. (fig., of person) be useless:

Ị sùlù afịa You are pretty useless

-tụ afịa

request someone going to market to help buy something;

commission someone to buy something

ụnò afīa

market stall

-zụ afịa

trade; hold market; buy and sell in market

afịfịa

grass; sweepings; parings; herb; native medicine prepared

with herbs. Used abusively:

Ọ nà-àgwa ụmù afịfịa okwū He is speaking to low-grade

people

afịfịa ọgwù

herb (for the preparation of native medicine)

-gbu afịfịa

clear weeds

-kpa afịfịa

collect herbs:

Onye dibìà nà-èje ịkpā afịfịa The native doctor is going to

collect the herbs

afọ

stomach; bowels; belly; abdomen (regarded as the seat of the

affections)

afọ imē

pregnancy (lit. belly of pregnancy)

afọ njō

unkindness

afọ nnī

gluttony

afọ òfùfù

(Biblical) liberality; generosity

afọ òbàlà

dysentery

afọ ōchịchị

diarrhoea

afọ ōlụlụ

colic; stomach-ache

afọ ọma

kindness

afọ òrà

sacrifice before cultivation

afọ ōsịsa

dysentery

afọ òsùsù, afọ ōzịza

flatulence

afọ ukwu

gluttony

afọ ụkwū

calf of leg

arụrụ afō

intestinal worm, very tiny; pinworm (lit. ants of belly)

-bu afọ imē

be pregnant (lit. carry pregnant belly):

Ngọzī bù afọ imē Ngọzi is pregnant

elili afō

the intestines

-ju afọ

satisfy:

O jùlù m afọ It satisfies me.:

Afô jùlù m I am satisfied

-kò afọ

distend abdomen

-laju afọ

drink to satisfy

-lụ afọ

have stomach-ache

ngịlị afō

intestine; bowels

-nupù afọ

A. act as purgative;

B. have swollen belly

nwannē afō

brother or sister of same father and mother; full brother or

sister (lit. brother or sister of same womb)

-nwe afọ ọma

be generous, kind, benevolent

-nyeju afọ

feed well

ọgwù afō

purgative

-tepùlù afọ

have distended abdomen like that of ascitic or overfed child

-tepùbè afọ

have a bulging distended abdomen

-to afọ

have great swollen belly; develop ascites

ụma afō

enlarged spleen; kind of abdominal disorder in children

characterized by swelling of the spleen in the left side of the

abdomen. It is felt to be round and hard when pressed. It is

wrongly believed by many to be a living thing in the stomach

which resembles a crab and walks up and down the stomach

Àfò

a day in the Igbo four-day week, following Oyè, personified

as an alūsị

Àfòọma name of female person born on Àfò

Nwaàfò name of male person born on Àfò

Afrịkà

Africa (E.)

afù 1.

halfpenny (E. halfpenny)

afù 2.

dem.

that

àkà afù

last year; (generally) old times, days of old

ebe afù

that place; there:

Ònyê nò ebe afù?

Who is there?

èkpè afù

then; at that time

etu afù

so; in that manner

mgbè afù

then; at that time

ndị afù

those (people)

òfu afù

that very one

onye afù

that person

àfù

used in:

àfù ọnū, àfè ọnū

moustache; beard

-gba àfù ọnū

grow beard, moustache

àfụfā

eggplant (Solanum macrocarpon Linn.) (= aŋàlà)

afụfụ

trouble; difficulty

afụfụ mmụọ

A. punishment in underworld

B. very severe punishment or trouble

afụfụ ùwà

misfortune; ups and downs of life

-fụ afụfụ

suffer

-ta afụfụ

suffer; punish; be in suffering, trouble:

Ị gà-àta afụfụ

You will suffer

ùwà afụfụ

world of suffering

afùfù

any rash caused by perspiration; dermatitis; eczema; uticaria;

swollen patches due to sensitivity to some particular food,

serum, drug, etc. ( -fù 1. swell)

agā 1.

adze

agā 2.

large needle for sewing sacks, etc.

àgà 1.

variety of yam

àgà 2.

barren woman

agàba

A. lion

B. name of masquerade

agadī

old person

agadī nwaànyì

old woman

agadī nwaànyì isi

(lit. an old woman with grey hair) plant used as medicine to

awọ

see night witches

agadī nwokē

old man

-me agadī

be old, decrepit; become old

àgàfù

bandit; expert thief

agàmeèbù

A. false thistle (Acanthus montanus T. Anders.)

B. name of a masquerade

àgànà

barbed spear for hunting or fighting

àgìdi

maize gruel (Y. àgìdì)

agịdịgị

fatness; stoutness; bigness

-gbà agịdịgị

be fat, plump; have stout build (of human being only)

àgìgò

see àgùgò

agịlị isī

n.p.

hair of head

agogo

iron gong for proclamations (cf. Y. agogo ‘bell’)

àgòlò

medicinal plant with reddish seeds

agrì

wild Canna (Canna indica Linn.), seen in Agwụ shrines

agū 1.

leopard

agụ atā

A. jackal-like animal

B. name of a town (lit. leopard of the wilderness)

agụ iyī

crocodile

agụ ọgbà

leopard which is weaker and less ferocious than the real

leopard

nwa agū

very young leopard

obi agū

daring, fearless like a leopard; brave

Ògbu āgụ

title; holder of Ògbu āgụ title; name (lit. leopard-killer)

Ògbà agū

secret night society (using agụ ọgbà); Leopard Society

agū 2.

open grassy country; wilderness

agù

person bearing same name as oneself; namesake (cf. ògbò)

agùba

razor

àgùgò, àgìgò

denial; plea:

Ènwerō m àgùgò I have no plea

-gọ àgùgò

deny:

Adā m àchọ ūkpa onye nā-agọ àgùgò ife o mēlụ I do not

like the company of anybody who denies what he has done ( -

gọ 1. deny)

agụgụ

festival

Agụnyego

name for a child believed an ọgbanje (lit. Are we to count you

among our family circle (or are you going to leave us again?))

Agù

see Agwù

agụū

hunger; desire; eagerness

(agụū) -gụ

be hungry

agụū mmīli

thirst

-gụ agụū

hunger; desire; long for ( -gụ 2. desire)

agbā 1.

title given to chiefs

agbā 2.

tree from which firewood and incense are obtained

àgbà 1.

covenant; appointment

Àgbà Ochīè

Old Testament

Àgbà Ọfụū

New Testament

-kà àgbà

make appointment

àgbà 2.

jaw

-nwe àgbà

(fig.) have a say in; have influence

àgbà 3.

rheumatism (cf. òkpoòmìlì)

àgbadàgba ntì

mumps

Agbàlà 1.

A. the author of fertility, one of the manifestations of Chukwu

Òkìke, Creator

B. male name

C. child (usually male) whose pregnancy and delivery was

made possible by Agbala

-do Agbàlà

A. perform routine sacrifice to Agbala

B. swear blood-brotherhood; make covenant (between two or

more parties) vowing not to do anything to endanger either

party’s life safety, etc.

-je Agbàlà

consult the Agbala in Awka, the most famous one

agbàlà 2.

(also agbàlà nwaànyì) woman of great influence or of strong,

stout build

agbàlà 3.

an object about 8’ long, made of two long bamboos, with a

number of coconut shells fixed between them representing the

number of girls the owner was on intimate terms with in his

youth

àgbàlà, àgbalà

cow-itch (Mucuna pruriens Linn.)

àgbàtà 1.

boundary line; border

àgbàtà obì

neighbourhood; neighbour

onye àgbàtà obì

neighbour; next-door neighbour:

Ọnwụūkâ bù onye àgbàtà obì m Ọnwụụka is my neighbour:

Proverb: Àgbàtà obī onyê bù nwa nnē ya A person’s

neighbour is his brother (or sister)

Àgbàtà 2.

A. a god

B. male name

agbè

long, narrow calabash for carrying water or wine; calabash

agbidi

solid, thick palm oil

agbịsì, agbụsì

black ant infesting houses, living in holes in mud floors

agbō

(also agbọ ajō ọfịa) very thick forest, especially that devoted

to a god, out of bounds to all except the priests of that

particular god

àgbò 1.

growing calabash

àgbò 2.

covering cloth

àgbò 3.

descent; family; lineage; inheritable characteristic of a family:

Àgbọ Ǹgọzî bù àgbọ nā-adị nkenke Ngọzi’s lineage is one

of short people

Àgbòmmā

female name

àgbọghò

see àgbọò

agbọlō

slimy substance, e.g. from fish

àgbònò

see ògbònò

agbọō

vomit

-gbọ agbọō

vomit:

Àda nà-àgbọ agbọō Ada is vomiting

-rù agbọō

retch; make to feel nausea; cause nausea

( -gbọ 1.

vomit; = ògbụgbọ)

àgbọò, àgbọghò

girl of marriageable age; young girl:

Roseline bù nwa āgbọò Roseline is a young girl

àgbọọbìà

girl of marriageable age

-me àgbọghò

act as or be a young woman

agbụ

A. bonds; a binding

-fie agbụ

bind; cord

-ke agbụ

bind:

O kèlù yà agbụ He bound him

B. rope used for climbing, made from ngwò fronds

àgbụgbō

place where refuse is disposed; dunghill (usually deliberately

kept as store of manure for fertilizing land); compost heap;

rubbish heap

àkpa āgbụgbō

grub usually found in a decaying compost heap

-kpo àgbụgbō

collect decayed compost for application to crops

agbùlùgada

molar teeth; part of the jaw where they are situated

agbụsì

see agbịsì

agha, aya 1.

war

-bu agha

fight

-busò agha

fight or war against; carry war against:

Ànyị nà-àchọ ibūsò fa agha We are going to carry war

against them

-dọ n’agha

take prisoner in war

ọdịdọ n’agha

captivity; state of being a prisoner of war

ife aghā

weapon

-je agha

go to war; be recruited into war

ndi aghā

soldiers; warriors

-nù agha

fight war; war

-nụsò agha

fight or war against

òchì agha

A. military officer, leader; commanding officer

B. a male name

agha, aya 2.

used in: agha ōghụgha changing of state of things for worse

àghalā, àyalā

lawlessness; confusion:

Ọjì nà-àbịa ebe à ịkpā àghalā Ọjị is coming here to cause

confusion

-gba àghalā

riot; be disorderly; be rascally

-kpọ àghalā

cause confusion, riot, tumult

onye āghala

lawless person

aghùghò, awùwò

guile; deceitfulness; cunning; double-dealing

-ghò aghùghò

be tricky, cunning, fond of setting persons against one another

(such activity usually being done underground); carry on

double-dealing:

Èmeka āna aghòka aghùghò Emeka is very fond of double-

dealing

-pù ala aghùghò

pretend to be mad (in order to cheat or trick)

agwa, agwaā

homesickness; nostalgia

(agwa) -ma

miss:

Agwa enyì m nwokē nō n’Òbòdò Oyìbo nà-àma m#I miss

my friend who is in England (i.e. I feel his absence)

àgwà 1.

beans; Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus Linn.)

àgwà ọcha

cowpea (Vigna unguiculata Walp.)

ịfùlịfū àgwà

pod of beans

àgwà 2.

colour

-tù àgwà

be spotted, variegated in colour:

Akwụkwọ ǹkaà tùlù àgwà ọcha nà èdò This leaf is coloured

white and yellow:

Nkịtā m^tùlù àgwà kà agū My dog is spotted like a leopard

àgwà 3.

manners; behaviour:

Àgwà ya adīsịrọ mmā His manners leave something to be

desired

àgwà ochīè

old custom

-kpa àgwà

behave (usually badly)

-kpa àgwà ọjọō

behave badly

agwọ

snake (generic)

agwò

A. raffia

B. raffia dancing-skirt used by masquerades

Agwù, Agù

an alūsị, or class of alūsị, of ambivalent character, the spirit

of afa divination. Agwụ possesses those who are called to

serve as ndị dibìà, the signs of a vocation being absent-

mindedness, disorientation, and the like:

Ndị nā-eme Agwù kà Agwù nà-àkpa It is those who

minister to Agwụ that Agwụ possesses

(Agwù) -kpa

be possessed by Agwụ; be mildly eccentric or mentally

deranged:

Agwù nà-àkpa Okaàfò; ònyê mà mà ò mego ife anarō ème

ēme? Okaafọ is disturbed in his mind; who knows if he has

committed an abomination?

-lu Agwù

perform the preliminary sacrifice before being initiated into

Agwù

nne Agwù

figure to the right of Agwù

nwa Agwù

figure to the left of Agwù

ùdènè Agwù

vulture associated with Agwù, an image of which is made

àhaà!

int.

aha! (surprise)

ajā

earth; trodden clay; building mud; sand

Ajaànà

see Ànì

aja idèì

heap of sand collected by flood after rainfall

aja ngwe

wall

aja ōdido

wall

aja ubòm

white sand, got from river, used in building

aja ūke

red soil

aja ụpà

red clay used for building in upland areas (cf. ụlō)

-do ajā

build a wall

-gbu aja ụnò

build walls of mud building

nwa ezè alā aja

instep of foot (lit. the king’s baby never licks the sand)

-te ajā

rub, smoothe, wet wall; paint wall

-tibo ajā

break piece of wall of with blow; remove part of wall with

blow

ùwà aja āja

troublesome world; world of trials and tribulations (lit. world

of sands; any food or beautiful thing, once sand is spilt into it,

is fouled)

ajà

cymbal

àjà 1.

sacrifice, particularly the joyless sacrifice offered to pacify or

drive out evil spirits

àkàloògòlì, ajō

sometimes, more generally, any sacrifice

mmụō, ekwensu

-chụ àjà

offer joyless sacrifice to drive out evil spirits

-do àjà

deposit joyless sacrifice

ụgbọ àjà

roughly-woven basket containing joyless sacrifice

àjà 2.

Nile Perch, the largest fish in the area (Lates niloticus)

nkōlọ àjà

smaller sized àjà

àjàdù

widower; widow

àjàdù nwaànyì

widow

àjàdu nwokè,

widower

àjàdu nwokē

ajị 1.

hair of humans or animals (excluding hair of head and

eyelashes, which are known as ntùtù (isī) and ntùtù anyā

respectively)

-kpàcha ajị

crop, shave, cut hair

-kpàcha ajị anū

crop, cut hair of animal

ajị 2.

used in:

ajị iyī

crocodile

ajì 1.

(also akwà ajì) a kind of native woven cloth, rough, coarse

and thick

ajì 2.

used in:

ajì enyī

severe dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation) which occurs

mostly in young women; in severe cases leaves the patient

prostrate, and can be disabling

ajiī

shortened form of ajị iyī crocodile

ajịlịja 1.

sweat; perspiration

-gba ajịlịja

perspire

ajịlịja 2.

A. smooth pebble

B. (fig.) strong and wiry:

Ọ bù ajịlịja mmadù/Ọ dì ajịlịja n’anya He is strong and

wiry

ajō

bad

ajō arụ

bad luck

ajō ife

crime, including abomination and defilement

ajō isi

back luck

ajō mmụō

bad spirit

ajō oyi

rheumatism

ajō ọfịa

see under ọfịa

ajō ọlụ

very, exceedingly, hard:

Ọ dì ajō ọlụ

It is very hard

ajō ọnòdù

bad position or condition

ajō ọnụ

bad speech; foul-mouthedness

ajō ọyà

malignant disease

ajō mmadù

wicked person:

Ànyị àmalụgo nà Òbìàgèli abūrọ ajō mmadù We know that

Ọbịageli is not a wicked person

ajō uchè

bad plan

-lụ ajọ ōlụ

do work badly

ajụ

headpad

ajụ ụtabà

roll of tobacco

ajù 1.

dizziness

(ajù) -bu

be dizzy:

Ajù nà-èbu m#

I am dizzy

-bu ajù

cause dizziness:

Ọgwù m ŋūlụ n’ùtụtū à nà-èbu m#ajù The medicine I drank

this morning is making me dizzy

-chụ ajù

be giddy; feel giddy

ajù 2.

tall coarse grass used for thatching

ajùjụ

question

-jụ ajùjụ

ask a question ( -jụ 1. ask)

aka 1.

arm; hand; foreleg; handle; part; portion

aka àfè

sleeve of garment

aka āzụ

bribery (lit. back-hand):

Ọ nà-àchọ ilī aka āzụ He wants to take a bribe

aka ebē

A. witness; surety:

Ọ bù onye aka ebē m He is my witness

B. pledge:

Kà ife à nòdụ n’aka ebē Let this (thing) stand as a pledge

aka èkpè

left hand

aka ezē

toothache

aka ikē

A. stinginess

B. rigid discipline

C. force; violence

aka ikeǹgà

right hand

aka izizē

<<shaky hand>> (e.g. some people cannot bear to inflict

injury on other even in treatment, as in incision of abscess,

injection, etc.)

(aka) -ka āka

be stronger than (lit. hand to be greater than hand):

Aka m`kà aka yā

I am stronger than he

akâ mèlù

illicit gin (lit. made by hand)

aka mkpà

one’s very own

aka nchịchā

hand with white patches (due to depigmentation)

aka ngwe

stone or wooden pestle for pepper, egusi, herbs, etc.

aka ǹkà

artistically inclined, talented

aka nkō

handy; quick-handed

aka nlō

gentleness

aka nnī

right hand

aka ntadide

stinginess

aka ntụtù

pilfering; light fingers:

Ọ bù onye aka ntụtù He is light-fingered

aka odō

wooden pestle for yam pounding

aka ōkwute

stone for grinding corn

akàlà akā

lines on the hand; destiny

akpù akā

biceps

amà akā

span (of thumb and forefinger)

ànì ogwē akā

forearm

àzụ akā

(fig.) hypocrisy (lit. back of hand):

Ọ nà-èzi ānyị àzụ akā He is being hypocritical with us. (lit.

He is showing us the back of the hand)

-bìkwàsị aka

lay hands upon

-bìkwàsị aka n’isi

confirm (in church confirmation)

-bìtụ aka

take hold of, grasp, press with hand lightly (e.g. as when

feeling the temperature of a person with the hand)

-chịni aka

A. lift up hands

B. take the hands off; desist from

-chịnita aka

hold up the hands

-dà aka

lay hands on

-dị n’aka

be responsible

-du aka

help

-dụ aka

poke

èfelì akā

withered hand

-fe aka

beckon

-gado aka

hold someone responsible

-gịgàdo aka

catch hold of lightly

-gba aka

A. snap fingers to show interest

B. be empty-handed:

Agà m àgba akā je be ezè I shall go to the King’s house

empty-handed

-gba aka nwā

be childless

-gba aka ōkpọrọ

be empty-handed

-gba aka ọlū

be unemployed

ikili akā

elbow

iru akā

forearm

isi akā

thumb

-jì aka

be sure; hope:

Ì jì aka nà Nwaàmàlùbịa gà-àbịa taà? Ee, ejì m aka nà ọ

gà-àbịa taà Are you sure Nwaamalụbịa will come today?

Yes, I am sure she will come today:

Ejì m aka nà Chukwu gà-ènyelụ ānyị aka I am hopeful that

God will help us

-jikò aka

join hands in doing something, esp. in marriage

-jipù aka

be disappointed

-ju aka

be plentiful

-kù n’aka

nurse; hold in the arms

-kụ aka

clap hands

-kụpù aka

fail; give up

-kpukpù aka

motion with hands for silence

-kwà aka

push; urge; drive

-kwe n’aka

shake hands

-kwedo aka

lay hold of

-kwọ aka

wash the hands

-kwukwù aka

clench, close the hand

nkwukwù akā

fist

-kwụkọ aka

rub the hands together in supplication

-lu aka

receive; reach

-malụ aka

be friendly; be familiar with

mbè aka nnī

handful of food (e.g. fufu)

-me aka ntụtù

be fond of pilfering, picking and stealing

-metụ aka

touch lightly

mgbà akā, mgba

ring

akā

mkpà akā

biceps

mkpà n’aka

walking-stick; staff

mkpịsị akā

finger

ǹju āka

handful

ǹkù akā

elbow

-nu aka

push

-nye aka

help; assist; give a helping hand

nnweju akā

sufficiency; enough

ọbù akā

palm of hand

òchịchị aka ikē

tyranny

ọdù akā

little finger

ọgwè akā

arm

ọgwù akā

whitlow (on the finger or hand)

òtùtù akā

arm’s length

-sà aka

open the hand

-ti aka

strike, beat, with hand

-tinye aka na nni

dine; have meal; dine with (in invitation to a friend present

during a meal)

-tị aka

stretch hands, fingers; crack the knuckles

-tụkpò aka

clasp

-tụtù aka (ntụtù)

pilfer; pick and steal

ụmù akā

(young) children; babes in arms

-wèni aka

take hand from; raise hand; abandon; leave alone

-wèni aka enū

raise hand up

-wèpù aka

take hands off (e.g. a matter)

-zo aka

point at; point with the hand

aka 2.

length; distance

-bitè aka

A. live far away

B. live for long

-butè aka

carry to a great distance

-gatè/jetè aka

go far away

-tè aka

be distant, far, remote; be long (in time)

akà

kind of bead worn round neck; necklace; bead worn on wrist

by renowned men

àkà 1.

dwarf; midget (cf. àkàkpò)

àka Ǹrì

male palace dwarf associated with Ezē Ǹrì

àkà 2., òkà

jigger; animal tick

àkà nwa ǹtùgbu

insect seen on unscrubbed mud floors

àkà 3.

year

àkǎ à, àkà afù

last year; old times; days of old

akàbò

pangolin, whose skin is used for medicine

àkàjè

mockery; humiliation

-me àkàjè

humiliate; disgrace:

Ọ bụlụ nà nwokē afù àbịazie ebe à òzọ ànyị gà-ème yā

àkàjè If that man dares come here again we shall humiliate

him

àkàkpò

person (usu. child) of stunted growth; underdeveloped person

(usu. child or young person); dwarf (cf. àkà 1.)

-dà àkàkpò

be stunted in growth

nwa àkàkpò

dwarf; stunted person

-sù àkàkpò

be stunted in growth

akàlà

sign; mark; cut; footprint

-kà akàlà

draw a line

akàlà akā

lines on the hand; destiny

akàlà ọkwā

insignia of office

àkàlà, àkàrà

cake made of beans (Y. àkàrà)

àkàloògòlì

A. spirits of the dead of worthless people (see mmụō):

Ndị àkàloògòlì jì yà aka He is possessed by the spirits of

worthless people

B. unambititious, easy-going, prodigal person

àkàmù

guinea corn gruel; hot pap (? Hausa)

-gbe àkàmù

mix, prepare liquid pap

àkanwụ

potash (H. kanwaa)

àkanya, àkanyị

thatching mats made of ngwò leaves

-do àkanya

make thatch

-tụ àkanya

thatch roof; build thatch-roofed house

-tụ ụnō akanya

build thatch-roofed house

àkàrà

see akàlà

àkàsì

common type of cocoyam (cf. edè)

àkàtaàkà

masquerade with a large head

àkàtàkpo

great person (used as a praise-name:

Ọ bù àkàtàkpo mmadù He is a great person

àkèle

frog whose cry is a sign of the annual flood of the Niger

akịlịka

dry grass; grass for thatching; dry palm fronds

-tụ (unò) akịlịka

build grass-roofed house

àkịkà 1.

termite

àkịkà 2.

pattern of spots

-tù àkịkà

be spotted

akịkọ

see akụkọ

akìlịkō

A. peeling or scraping of roasted yam; food burnt in cooking

B. dry yam plant (external stem which looks like rope and

which when twined into a bundle resembles a sponge,

sometimes used for hard scrubbing)

àkọ 1.

sense

àkọ nà uchè

intelligence; mind

-nwe àkọ

be intelligent

-nwe àkọ nà uchè

be sensible, intelligent:

Nwaàmàlùbịa nwèlù nnukwu ākọ nà uchè Nwaamalụbịa is

very intelligent (or sensible)

àkọ 2.

food prepared from ground maize for feasts

àkọlọ

dry (land)

àkọlō

see àkụlō

akòm, akùm

fever; malaria; jaundice (cf. ịbà)

àkọmọọnū

abuse; vituperation

akūlu

plant with tiny thorns which yields strings, used to tie up

seed-yams or to make àkwalī B.

àkùpè

fan

-kù àkùpè

fan:

Fa nà-ekù mmūọ fa àkùpè They are fanning their

masquerade

akụ 1.

palm kernel

akụ mmili igwē

hail

akụ oyìbo

coconut

akụ ùtùtọlō

kernels of unripe palm fruits (usually white)

ichèlè akū

shells of palm kernels

-kpa akụ

A. search for palm kernels at the farm (usually of children)

B. play a board game like draughts

mkpa akū

the search for kernels

mkpụlụ akū

palm kernel

-ta akụ

be dried, without juice, as of some fruits and tubers; non-

succulent

ùde akū

palm kernel oil

akụ 2.

pubic hair

-gba akụ

grow pubic hair

àkụ

arrow

àkpa ākụ

quiver

àkù 1.

wealth; riches

-li àkù

inherit wealth

òli àkù

(loved) wife; heir; inheritor

-kpata àkù

acquire wealth

unō àkù

bank; departmental store; trading post

àkù 2.

winged termite (edible)

akụkọ, akịkọ

A. story (in general)

-kọ akụkọ

tell a story; give news

akụkọ irò

fable; myth

B. true narrative; history (as opposed to akụkọ irò)

akùkù

side; part; locality

n’akùkù

beside

àkùkù

slang

àkùkù ọfụū

new piece of slang

-kụ àkùkù

say slang word

àkụlō, àkọlō

plant (Selaginella)

akùm

see akòm

akpà

strip iron used to strengthen a mud building and join timbers

àkpa 1.

grub such as found in compost heap or decaying palm tree

àkpa āgbụgbọ

grub usually found in a decaying compost heap

àkpa nkwū

grub found on palm tree and in decaying palm tree trunk (lit.

palm tree grub)

àkpa 2.

living or dead palm fronds; long broom prepared from palm

fronds, used for sweeping outside

àkpa nkwū

palm fronds; long broom of palm fronds

oke ākpa

long broom of palm fronds

àkpà 1.

bag; sack; container

àkpà abù

boil in armpit

àkpà afā

diviner’s bag

àkpa ākụ

quiver

àkpà egō

A. purse

B. 24,000 cowries (= 20 akwà)

C. a hundred pounds

àkpàkwùlù

stomach

àkpà nnwā

womb; uterus

àkpà nnwammīli

bladder

àkpà ọjī

pod of kolanut

àkpà uchè

mind; memory

àkpà ụkwalà

asthma

àkpà 2.

nest (of bees or wasps)

àkpà anwū

bees’ nest

àkpa èbù

wasps’ nest

àkpaka

used in:

àkpaka ụzū

log of wood on which the blacksmith’s anvil is set. It is buried

in the ground with raffia fibres forming the base so that the

log of wood jumps when the iron is hit by the blacksmith.

This lightens the jarring of the hammer on the blacksmith’s

hand

akpàlàtà

long bamboo frame for carrying load; stretcher for sick person

akpàlataā

tree whose seed is used in making soup (Afzelia africana)

àkpammānụ

yellow; brown

àkpanā

dung of fowls and birds

àkpànì

used in: -tụ àkpànì be bellicose, pugnacious

àkpàràjà

(fig.) someone who can behave badly because he is protected

at a higher level

akpata

shelf for storing

akpàtì

box

akpàtì ozū

coffin

àkpelè

trumpet; horn

akpì

scorpion (cf. òdogwu òzàlà)

àkpị

tick; bedbug

àkpịlī

A. throat

(àkpịlī) -gù

lose voice (as a result of excessive straining of the voice from

long speech or of a cold):

Àkpịlī`gùlù m I have lost my voice

amāafịa ǹtùtọ

sore throat

ākpịlị

-gù àkpịlī

make to lose voice:

Ukwalà gùlù m àkpịlī A cough has taken away my voice

òpu ākpịlị

goitre

B. desire; greed; lust

àkpịlī ịkpō nkụ

intense thirst

-dọ àkpịlī

long after

-to àkpịlī

delight; appeal to; also specifically used to refer to practice by

some children who gaze steadily at person eating or holding

eatable thing which greatly appeals to them

akpìlịkpā

scale of fish

akpo

round; number of times

sò òfu akpō

once only; once for all

àkpo

soft palate; (more generally) roof of the mouth

akpụ 1.

cassava; cassava starch; fufu (raw and pounded)

akpụ àpàlàpà,

raw fufu (sieved and ready for cooking. Usually sold in this

àpìlàpì

form in the market, where it is rolled into balls and retailed in

small amounts)

akpụ ǹkòlò

shredded cassava; raw or pounded fufu; archaic name loosely

used for cassava generally

-gbunye akpụ

steep, soak cassava in water

-kwọ akpụ

grate cassava; make gari

òdọ akpū

cassava, raw fufu stalls - a section of the market where

cassava, raw fufu, is displayed for sale

akpụ 2.

cottonwood; silk cotton tree (Ceiba pentandra (Linn.)

Gaertn.), found at Agwù shrine

òwu akpū

kapok

ùlume akpū

kapok

akpù

knot; lump; cyst; hump (cf. òkpù)

akpù akā

biceps

akpū jī, akpǔ jī

2^nd yam for replanting. At the beginning of yam harvest, the

first yams harvested are not quite as firm as those harvested at

the end, so some early harvested yams when dug up are not

completely rooted out from the soil; the tuber is carefully cut

leaving the very tip of the head and the roots in the soil. These

are properly covered back in the soil. By the end of the yam

harvest these are harvested together with the remaining yams.

By this time the small piece of the yam left with the tip of the

head of the yam in the soil has grown more yam

akpù onū

goitre

akpù ụkwū

thigh muscle

-wụ akpù

extract, excise tumour

akpụkpa

crawcraw

(akpụkpa) -ta

attack (of crawcraw):

Akpụkpa nà-àta Azụbūògù Azụbụọgụ has crawcraw

-ta akpụkpa

cause crawcraw:

Nnu òchàǹjà nà-àta akpụkpa Ọchanja salt causes crawcraw

akpụkpọ

skin; leather; hide

akpụkpọ ụkwū

boot; shoe; sandal

-gba akpụkpọ

flay

-yi akpụkpọ ụkwū

wear shoes

akpụkpụ

crumbs (of pounded food)

Proverb: Akpụkpụ ikwè ka nne nnī, ònye nwē nni

ebulukwọ nnī ya (Lit. If crumbs of pounded food tend to be

larger than the main food, the owner of the food will take

back his food [in annoyance, discontinuing the pounding])

akpùlụ

droppings, dung, of animals (the kind that is rolled in small

balls, made especially by goats)

akpùlù

used in:

akpùlù ekwē

unsplit cane

akwa

cry; weeping

akwa àlìlì

weeping over personal tragedy or misfortune, e.g. death of

one’s dear one; unnatural misfortune, e.g. thrashing by one’s

child or lover:

Onye m bù n’obì àrapụgo m wèlụ naba, akwa àlìlì ègbue

m#My sweetheart has left me and died, I am dying of a broken

heart

akwa nnī

greediness; lack of hospitality (lit. crying for food)

àkwamozu

mourning; keeping burial customs

abù akwā

A. song (especially Song of Solomon)

B. mourning song

-be akwa

cry

-chì akwa

cry very much, sob (harder than -kwa akwa)

òchìchì akwā

hard sobbing

-gò akwa

bewail; lament

-kwa akwa

cry; weep; lament

-mìkpọ akwa

burst out crying

-sù mbimbi akwā

sob

-tipu akwa

burst out crying

akwà 1.

cloth

akwā àbàda

àbàda cloth

akwà ajì

native woven cloth, very thick, rough and coarse

akwà mgbòchi

curtain

akwà mmīli

rain-coat

akwà oyī

blanket

akwā ōmụma

blanket; wrapper

akwā ùfùfè

sail

akwā ūru

mourning garment (usually of black cloth); sackcloth

akwà ụjū

black cloth worn by mourners

-chì akwà

scrub cloth

-de akwà

iron clothes

-gbasà akwà

spread cloth

-gbò akwà

cover with cloth

igwu akwà

cloth-louse

-jelụ akwà

put on clothes; gird

-kowàsị akwà

wrap a cloth about the body

-kpà akwà

weave cloth

-kpù akwà

cover the body with cloth

-kpupù akwà

take off coverlet

-kwe akwà

weave cloth (usu. with hand-loom)

-ma akwà

wear, tie wrapper; be dressed in wrapper

nkịlịka akwà

rag; ragged cloth

òkwa àkwà

tailor

-sụ akwà

wash clothes

-tọ akwà

strip body; make nude by stripping

-tụ akwà

roll, fold cloth

-wà akwà

wear loincloth

-yi akwà

wear cloth

akwà 2.

1200 cowries (= 20 ùkwù)

àkwa

egg

àkwa ògàzì

egg of guineafowl

-bụ àkwa

hatch eggs

òbùbụ ākwa

contents of egg

ikèlikē ākwa

eggshell

-kpù n’àkwa

sit on eggs; brood

mgbụgbō ākwa

eggshell

okuko ākwa

eggshell

ùbùlụ ākwa

eggshell

-yi àkwa

lay eggs

àkwà

bed; bridge

àkwà edinà

bed

akwalà

A. vein; sinew; muscle

B. fibres from raphia palm; rope made from them (also

akwalà ngwò)

ùbọ akwalà

stringed instrument resembling guitar

àkwalī

A. creeping plant in the bush, whose vines can be made into

strings (Landolphia dulcis)

B. a charm, made of the strings of àkwalī A. or akwūlu to

increase fruitfulness (òmùmù). It can be for a whole village or

family, or for an individual woman (àkwalị nwaànyì)

àkwamozu

funeral ceremony

akwụ

palmnut; palm fruit

akwụ ànì

white ant (the type that lives in the ground) (lit. palmnut of the

ground)

akwụ(kwọ) olū

pineapple (Ananas comosus Linn.)

akwū ōsụkwū

fruit of a type of palm, easy to break

abụbù akwū

pounded palmnut fibre left after removal of kernels

-gbu akwụ

cut palm fruit

ògùlù akwū

inferior palm-oil

ọgbè akwū

head of palmnuts

àkwụ

bird’s nest (= anì)

akwùkwà

mud cooking-stand or metal tripod

-fi akwùkwà

make a cooking-pot stand

akwụkwọ

A. leaf

akwụkwọ nnī

vegetable

akwụkwọ

broad leaf

ōbodòlòbo

akwụkwọ osisi

leaf of tree

akwụkwọ ūma

Sarcophrynium spp.; of leaf with smooth surface much used

in wrapping food and kola nuts

-kpa akwụkwọ

collect leaves (e.g. like a herbalist)

mgbụ ākwụkwọ

(shed) leaves

mkpa ākwụkwọ

(shed) leaves

B. book; paper; letter

akwụkwọ īwu

law book

akwụkwọ mfụkòba

folded paper

Akwụkwọ Nsō

Holy Bible

akwụkwọ ọfụū

new book

akwụkwọ ọlū

letter of appointment:

Fà ènyego ī akwụkwọ ọlū? Have they given you the letter of

appointment?

akwụkwọ ūkwe

hymnbook

-bì akwụkwọ

print, type paper, book

-de akwụkwọ

write letter

-degalụ akwụkwọ

write (letter) to:

Achòlù m idēgalụ onye isī akwụkwọ I want to write to the

manager

-delụ akwụkwọ

A. write (letter) to

B. help in writing a letter:

Anà m àchọ idēlụ ya akwụkwọ I am preparing to write him

(or, write for him)

ego akwụkwọ

currency note

òde ākwụkwọ

clerk; letterwriter

-sà akwụkwọ

open leaves of a book (looking for a particular page or

chapter)

C. legal paper; matters arranged by means of legal papers

akwụkwọ isī

tax; tax receipt, payment (lit. head paper)

-dọka akwụkwọ

dismiss a case

-gba akwụkwọ

prosecute (by law):

Ọ bụlụ nà ị bàta ugbō m ọgē ōzọ agà m àgba gī akwụkwọ

If you dare trespass on my farm another time I shall prosecute

you:

X:Agà m àgba gī akwụkwọ

Y:Ì pụrò ya; mà jèe gbàa m#ọ bụlụ nà ị nwèlù ike

X:Ò bù m gbaa gī ì dọkaa?

X: I shall prosecute you!

Y: You can’t; just go and prosecute me if you can

X: If I prosecute you, can you get it dismissed?

-gbà akwụkwọ

wed (in church or under ordinance):

Roseline nà-àkwadebe ịgbà akwụkwọ n’ọnwa nā-abịa

Roseline is preparing to wed next month

-na akwụkwọ isī

pay tax:

Ì nago akwụkwọ isī gị?Have you paid your tax?

-sèkà akwụkwọ

dismiss a case (lit. tear papers):

Anà m elò nà a gà-esèka akwụkwọ Ọnwụūka gà-àgba m#I

think that the prosecution Ọnwụụka is going to bring against

me will be dismissed

ògbụgba ākwụkwọ

legal prosecution

D. school

nwatà akwụkwọ

school-child; student

ụmù akwụkwọ

school-children; student

ụnò akwụkwọ

school; place of learning

E. book-learning in general:

ògụ ākwụkwọ

reader; scholar

Akwụkwô bàlù ulù Book knowledge is useful

-ma akwụkwọ

(lit. know book); be brainy:

Ọ nà-èsilị ndị āmarō akwụkwọ ike inwēta ọlụ n’ọgè kịtaà

It is difficult for illiterates to secure employment nowadays:

Rose mà akwụkwọ Rose is brilliant (in studies)

-mù akwụkwọ

study (lit. study book)

-nwe isi akwụkwọ

be brainy, brilliant (at studies)

àkwụkwù

epilepsy

-dà àkwụkwù

have epilepsy; be epileptic; have epileptic fits:

Òfọ nà-adā ākwụkwù Òfọ has epilepsy

àkwụmà

yaws (cf. òfì)

àkwụmà ụkwū

corn (on foot)

àkwùnàkwụnà

prostitute; harlot (cf. ògàcha)

ala 1.

breast; milk

ala efī

milk (from cow)

-chụ ala

wean:

Ànyị gà-àchụ nwa ānyị ala n’ọnwa īsiì We shall wean our

child at six months

-gba mmili alā

contain breast milk; have flow of milk from the breast

mmili alā

milk

mmili ala efī

cow’s milk

-nye ala

breast-feed

-ŋụ ala

suck breast (of infant):

Nnwa nà-àŋụ alā The child is sucking

-sa ala

A. wash breasts, especially of a newly delivered mother, to

induce breast milk

B. artificially induce the breasts of a non-pregnant woman to

begin to produce milk by washing with a certain native

medicine preparation. This is usually done when the mother of

a sucking infant dies, or when the child is taken from her on

medical grounds, etc. A healthy woman is asked to take up the

infant’s breast-feeding. Her breasts are then medicinally

washed to induce milk

ọgbòdògbò alā

abnormally heavy, large and long breasts

nwaànyì

woman with abnormally large and heavy breasts

ọgbòdògbò alā

ala 2.

madness

(ala) -kpa

be mad (lit. be moved with madness)

onye alā

mad person

-pù ala

become mad; be mad:

Ì nà-apù alā? Are you mad?

-pù ala aghùghò

pretend to be mad (in order to cheat or trick)

-yì ala, -wì ala

be mad; become mad:

Ọ nà-ayì alā He is mad

àlakùba

Arabic language, named after the phrase in Moslem prayers

’Allāhu ’akbar:

Ọ nà-àsụ àlakùba He is talking double Dutch

Àlàhambrà

name of a particular small market in Onitsha, now replaced by

Òchàǹjà

alā ụla

sleeplessness

alịlị

a millipede (cf. esu)

àlìlì

resentment at misfortune:

Ọ nà-àkwa àlìlì He resents his misfortune

-be àlìlì

mourn; lament

alò

advice; counsel; suggestion; idea; consultation

-ra alò, -ralu alò

consider; take counsel; consult together; advise

-ranye alò

advise; give advice

-tụ alò

advise; counsel; deliberate on and give advice or offer

suggestion

-tụnye alò

advise; counsel; suggest; give opinion ( -lò think)

alọ

heaviness; grievousness

àrụ alō

dullness; sloth; sluggishness

-dị alọ

be heavy:

Akpàti ǹkaà dì alọ This box is heavy

ibu alō

heavy load

alò 1.

cock’s comb

alò 2.

A. spear used by titled men for ceremonies (= ubē ǹzè)

B. (in Nri) staff symbolizing the power which a lineage

received from Chukwu during its creation

àlòmmụō

feast for sacrificing to the ancestors

àluluū

mist; cloud; vapour

alụ

bite

-ta alụ

bite

alū

abomination; hurtful, obnoxious thing; taboo

ife alū

abomination; used with verbs to signify intensity

-kwu okwu alū

speak abominable word(s)

-me alū

commit abomination; break taboo; do something traditionally

forbidden

alụlụ

used in:

alụlụ ànì

injustice; maltreatment; wickedness

àlụlù

medicinal plant, also used for stew

àlùlù 1.

yamsticks

àlùlù 2.

used in:

-kwụ àlùlù

be misty

alūsị

spirit; divinity; deity; invisible supernatural ‘being-force’,

divided by Nri into four types: those directly established by

Chukwu such as Igwē, the firmament those established by Eri

such as Ànì, Ajaànà, Ìfèjiọkū, Onuebo, and the market days

Èke, Oyè, Àfò, and Ǹkwọ; those established by the ancestors

such as Idemmīli, Udō, Arò, Àkwalị Òmùmù, Ǹgènè,

Ògwùgwù, and Òrìmmìlì; those called Agwù. The market-

days and the alūsị of the third and fourth types have human

temperaments and are represented by nkwu (images). Others

are regarded as forces rather than beings and so can be

represented only symbolically in shrines (Onwuejeogwu

1974: 85 ff.)

-do alūsị

erect a shrine

efi alūsị

sacred cow (efi Ìgbò type owned by village, which cannot be

killed; if it dies it is given burial like a human being)

egwu alūsị

traditional religious dances

ezè alūsị

priest

-gọ alūsi

worship a spirit

òkwu alūsị

shrine

Ọnwa Uzo Alūsị

twelfth month of the traditional Nri calender, devoted to

rituals and offerings to the alūsị and to wrestling matches and

dances before the temples

-pị alūsị

carve, shape image

-rù alūsị

worship a spirit

ụnò alūsị

shrine; building consecrated to a deity

ama

(also èzi amā) space in front of the compound, outside the

compound wall and beginning from the main gate; street:

Ama Madùnààgụ Madụnaagụ street

-nò n’ama

(fig.) menstruate:

Nwaànyì nò n’ama The woman is menstruating

-pù ama

go to the toilet (lit. go out to the fore-compound beyond the

main compound door):

Anà m apù amā I am going to the toilet

-pù n’ama

reach age of menstruation

Nwaànyì pùlù n’ama The girl has reached puberty

ụzò ezi amā

main entrance to a compound

amā

distinguishing mark

ife ịrìbà amā

token:

Enyē m#gị akwụkwọ ǹkaà kà ọ bụlụ ife ịrìbà amā nà a

kpōbàtàlù gị nà òtu ānyị taàtà I present this book to you as a

token to your admission into our society today

-rì(bà)amā

mark; put distinguishing mark on

nrìba amā

(distinguishing) mark

amà

measure

amà akā

span

amà okwū

verse

amà ụkwū

pace; footstep ( -mà measure)

àmà

witness; secret divulged (e.g. if a person is planning to kill me

on a certain day and a friend happens to know of this and tells

me beforehand this information is àmà); information;

testimony:

Ndi àfè ojiī nà-àkwadebe ijīde Chiìnwè mà ndi enyì ya

āgbagolụ yā àmà The police were going to arrest Chiinwe

but her friends have warned her of this

àma ụghā

false witness:

Ọ bù ife ọjọō ịgbā àma ūgha It is a bad thing to bear false

witness

-gba àmà

bear witness; divulge secret; betray

Ndi àmà Chukwu God’s witnesses; the martyrs:

Unù bù ndi àmà m You are my witnesses:

Ndi àmà Ị nà-etō ị n’enu igwē Thy Martyrs (witnesses) are

praising Thee in Heaven

Ndi àma Jèhovà Jehovah`s Witnesses

onye àmà

tale-bearer; gossip; informer

amāafịa

tooth-ache

amāafịa ǹtùtọ

sore throat

ākpịlị

amàlà

type of fish

àmàlà 1.

favour

àmàlà 2.

paddle (for canoe)

ụgbọ àmàlà

canoe

àmànì

point of time; hour

àme

black plaited necklace

amì

(also amì mịlō) reed

amōosu

witch

ezè amōosu

chief of witches

-ta amōosu

be a witch; practise witchcraft

amụ

laugh; laughter

-kpa amụ

cause laughter; be absurd; jest; trifle; amuse

-kpùmùlị amụ

smile, laugh, chuckle, in a gentle way (as a sign of pleasure)

mkpụlụ amū

a smile

-sọ amụ

make laugh; please; amuse; delight; be funny ( -mụ amụ

laugh)

amù

scrotum

amù ibì

hydrocele

-gba amù

castrate

mkpụlụ amù

testis

-pì amù

castrate

amụma

prophecy

-bu amụma

prophesy;

-ma amụma

prophesy; foretell

onye amụma

prophet

onye amụma āsị

false prophet ( -ma + 8. announce)

àmùmà

lightning

-sè àmùmà

show lightning; flash; lighten

ànà

see ànì

anakā

branch

anakā osisi

branch of tree

-du anakā

put out shoots, suckers

Ànàndiìchè

god of family, represented by a tree

ànàsì

chief or favourite wife (usually first) of a king

anì

(also anì nnùnù) bird’s nest (= àkwụ)

ànì, ànà

A. land; ground; soil

ànì apìtì

swamp

ànị èdò

Atanị area

ànì ezè

kingdom

ànì isī

skull of head

ànị mmadù

A. foreign country; another person’s land

B. land of the living (opposed to ànì mmụọ)

ànì mmanụ anwū

promised land (land of milk and honey)

nà mmili ala efī

ànị mmānya

dregs of wine

ànì mmarùbe

earthquake

ànị mmụọ

land of the dead (opposed to ànị mmadù, land of the living)

(Christian usage) hell; Hades:

Ọ līdàlù n’ànị mmụọ He descended into hell

ànì obì

place of abode; settlement

ànì ogwē akā

forearm

ànì okwū

most important part of the story

ànì olū

land overflowed in wet season

ànì ọcha

A. dry land, not overflowed in wet season

B. Igbo land

ànị ōma jìjìjì

earthquake

ànì ọnà ọcha nà

land of gold and silver

ọnā èdò

ànì ụkwū

heel of the foot

ànì ụlō

clay soil

akwụ ànì

white ant (the type that lives in the ground) (lit. palmnut of the

ground)

àrụ ànì

quietness

awa ànì

division, plot, of land

-bọ ànì

scratch, paw the ground (of fowls, dogs)

-dị ànì

be low:

Oche à dì ànì This chair is low

-do ànì

settle a country; establish peace

-dolu ànì

put down

-dolu àrụ ànì

take things easy

enu ànì

dry land (as opposed to water); high land between Asaba and

Agbor

enū nà ànì

‘up and down’; blouse and wrapper made of same material

-fè ànì

prepare land for planting by propitiating the gods concerned

-gbabo ànì

kick up the ground

-gbakìlì ànì

run hither and thither; make fuss; be dilatory, going hither and

thither without anything being seen done by the person; dilly-

dally

-kpa okē ànì

make boundary between lands

-kpọbo ànì

level ground; break ground for planting

-kpọ isi ànì

prostrate; cringe; worship; beg

-kpọ ànì

clear ground by burning

-lu ànì

arrive at a settlement or conclusion

-lụ ànì

wreak havoc; commit treachery, abominably wicked or cruel

act

-lụcha ànì

cultivate land; clear weeds

ǹgwu ànì

tool for digging; digger

ǹtọ ànì

foundation; origin

òbì n’ànà alā ajā

one who lives underground but does not absorb earth (i.e.

masquerade)

onu ànì

low tone:

Ọ nà-èkwu n’onu

He is speaking in low tones

ànì

onye ànì

fellow countryman

onye ànị mmadù

foreigner; stranger

ọkpụ ànì

ancient; long-established

òkpụkpa ànì

making of boundary

ọmụ ànì

bottom

ọrụ ànì

dregs (of wine)

òsụsụ ànì

cutting, clearing of bush preparatory to farming

-pu n’ànì

be native or home-born, indigenous (lit. grow, sprout in the

soil)

-rulu ànì

stoop down

-runata ànì

stoop down a bit

-sekpùlu ànì

worship; bow, kneel down; give honour to

-sù isi n’ànì

fall headlong; throw oneself headlong

-sù n’ànì

thump on the ground; set down heavily

-tò anya n’ànì

be observant, watchful, careful; take notice of; watch (lit. lay

the eye to the ground)

-tò ntì n’ànì

hearken; pay attention (lit. lay the ear to the ground)

-tò ǹtọ ànì

lay foundation

ụgbọ ànì

lorry; car

ùsọ ànì

A. boundary (of farmland)

B. bank of river

-wa ànì

break up land by digging; divide land for planting; dig ground

-wedàta ànì

bring down; humble; humiliate

B. Ànì, Ànà the Earth Spirit, regarded as the mother of all

men, the queen of the underworld, and the custodian of public

morality

Ajaànà

aspect of the earth related to death rites

Ànìegbòka

person’s name

Ànìèmeka

person’s name (lit. The land has done very well)

Ànị ēzi

the shrine of Ànì owned by the head of a compound, kept in

front of his house

Ànị Ònìchà

secret place worshipped by Onitsha people

alụlụ Ànì

injustice; maltreatment; wickedness

ezē Ànì

life-size status of carved wood, representing Ànì

nsọ Ànì

abomination

-rù Ànì

sacrifice to Ànì

anịkịlịjā

old, worn-out thing, usually machine or vehicle:

Igwē ǹkaà bù anịkịlịjā This bicycle is very old and worn-out

ànịnị, àniniī

tenth of a penny (H. àniinii)

ànọ

num.

Central Igbo form of ìnọ, used in ta à bụ ànọ three days ago

(lit. today is four)

ànunuū

plant yielding black dye

anụ

animal; meat

anụ atụlū

mutton

anụ efī

beef

anụ ewū

goat’s meat

anụ ezì

pork

anụmànù

animal (generic)

anụ namà

beef

anụ ọfīa

A. wild animal

B. (fig.) any person who behaves like an animal; foolish

person

anụ ūfe

flying creature: bird; bat

anụ ugbokō

stupid, uncivilized person

-chụ anụ

chase animals

-dọka anụ

tear, rend (flesh)

ezè anụmànù

king of the beasts; elephant

onye anū

meat seller, dealer

ọkpùlùkpù anū

piece of meat

ọlụ anū

leg (of meat)

ugwùlùgwù anū

breast (of meat)

ùw’a anụmànù

the animal world

ànùm

A. female tortoise

B. wife of Tortoise in fables

ànụmdi

marriage (of woman to man); wedding

ànùnù 1.

bird (rare, small)

ànùnù ebè

tree supposed very poisonous, associated with ànùnù

ànùnù 2.

indigo vine (Lonchocarpus cyanescens Benth.)

ànùnụ ngwe

vegetable

ànùnù 3.

type of game played by children

ànwàlì

(also ìpo ànwàlì) a fish (Alestes leuciscus); ìpo is regarded as

the larger size of ànwàlì

ànwàǹsì

conjuring, magic, jugglery, by dibìà

-me ànwàǹsì

conjure; do wizardry

anwū 1.

sunshine; heat of sun

(anwū) -cha

beat (of sun)

-cha n’anwū

be apparent, obvious, conspicuous

-kpọ anwū

wither

mkpọ ānwụ

drought; extended or severe dry season; long period without

rain

òche anwū

umbrella; sunshade

oke anwū

intense sunshine

ọjì anwū

false iroko (Antiaris africana Engl.)

-zè(lụ) anwū

shelter from sun

anwū 2.

bee

àkpà anwū

beehive

mmanụ anwū

honey

-ra anwū

take honey from the comb (after driving away the bees)

anwū 3.

mosquito

anwụ ntà

mosquito

ụnò anwū

mosquito-net

anwùlị

see aŋùlị

anwụlịnwụ

rough surface

anwụlù

A. smoke

B. tobacco; cigarette; cigar; tobacco snuff (cf. ùtabà)

anwụlū èkèlèke

tied tobacco; bits of tied tobacco retailed in small amounts -

1d, 3d, etc.

isi anwūlù

head of tobacco; bunch of prepared tobacco leaves (usually

black tobacco) counting 5 leaves in one head

-kpọ anwụlù

take snuff:

Ọ nà-àkpọ anwūlù He is taking (tobacco) snuff

mkpò anwūlù

snuffbox

-kwụ anwụlù

smoke (of a fire)

òkwute anwūlù

stone for grinding snuff

-sè anwụlù

smoke tobacco:

Adā m esè anwūlù I never smoke

anya 1.

eye

anya akpà

goggling eyes

(anya) -bughalị

be dizzy, giddy, mad:

Anya nà-èbughalị m#I am dizzy

anya ikē

boldness; fearlessness; greed

anya ī

exclamation of pleasure on meeting a friend after long

separation

anya mpīa

eye partly closed through disease or accident

anya mkpō

blindness

anya mkpūlụ egō

eye with pupil whitened by disease

anya mmīli

tears

-gba anya mmīli

shed tears

anya ọkū

A. disease of the eye

B. fierceness of aspect

C. jealousy; envy (lit. fiery eyes)

anya ūdo

self-control; temperance

anya ùfìè

squint; cross eyes

anya ukwu

greed; coveteousness (lit. big eyes)

arị anyā

filaria; filaria worm (of the eye)

-bà n’anya

intoxicate

-bo anya

stare at

-bokwàsị anya

stare at

-bughalị anya

make dizzy, giddy, mad:

Ọgwù m ŋūlụ n’ùtụtù nà-èbughalị m#anya The drug I took

in the morning makes me dizzy

-bịachị anya

come regularly

-chalàpù anya

stare at; look sternly at

-chi anya

be well woven; be tight

-chìchapù anya

stare; glare

ènyò anya

pair of glasses

-febè n’anya

get in eye; (fig.) be cheated:

Ekwēna kà ife febē gị n’anya Don’t let anything get in your

eye, or, Don’t let yourself be cheated

-fụju anya

toil, suffer greatly

-fụ n’anya

love; like

-fụsì anya

suffer greatly; see many tribulations; have hard experience

-gbado anya

fix the eye on, persevere, be diligent

gbàdo anyā

greeting to a departing friend

-gbagwòju anya

confuse; abash:

Ife à gbagwòjùlù m anya This has confused me

-gbà ùgègbè anyā

wear glasses

-gbe anya

steal a look at

-gbudo anya

perceive; observe

-gha anya

turn the eyes; long for; expect

-gha anya n’àzụ

look backwards; look back; glance back

ife ịtū n’anya

surprising thing

-jechi anya

be punctual

-ji anya

be lazy

-ju anya

surprise; astonish

-ka anya

surpass by greediness, boldness

-kpacha anya

do something on purpose

-kpachalụ anya

be careful, warned, cautious, beware; take heed (lit. clear way

for sight)

-kpachapù anya

take care; be careful, vigilant

-kwakpọsị anya

cry bitterly (lit. blind oneself with tears)

-lò anya

eye; look at angrily or with contempt

-ma anya

attract

-me anya ụlā

be drowsy

-meghèli anya

confuse:

O meghèlì m anya He confused me

mkpụlụ anyā

eyeball

-ne anya

behold; look (at); gaze at; look after; mind

-nefè anya

overlook

-nefèga anya

overlook; neglect

-nefù anya

look aside; neglect; overlook

-nekpọ anya

take a good look at

-nekwàsị anya

look upon; look again

-nenye anya

look into

-neta anya

regard; have respect for

-netị anya

look ahead

-netù anya

look downwards

-nezi anya

beware; look out; be cautious

ǹkù anyā

eyebrow

ntùtù anyā

eyelash

nwantaǹta anyā

pupil of eye

-nwùchì anya

shut eyes

-nwụchita anya

dazzle the eyes

ọdù anyā

corner of the eye

-sì anya

be bold, capable of withstanding hardship, courageous

-sọ anya

refrain from doing something because of respect for someone

present

asō anya

disregard for status or presence; (in good sense) fairness in

judgement; (in bad sense) disrespect

-tabè anya

wink

ntabè anyā

in the blink of an eyelid; in the twinkling of an eye

-tilò anya

tame; beat very severely (lit. beat till the eyes become soft)

-tò anya n’ànì

be observant, watchful, careful; take notice of; watch (lit. lay

the eyes on the ground)

-tụ anya

expect

-tụkpọ anya

damage eye by hitting it with something

-tụ n’anya

surprise; astonish

ugègbè anyā

(eye) glasses

ùwà anya ọkū

envious, jealous world

-wèpù anya

ignore; overlook; connive at

-wo n’anya

be plain, clear, obvious; stare one in the face; leap to the eye

-zi n’anya

convince

anya 2.

distance

-dị anya

be distant, far:

Ebe mkpọtụ sì àbịâ dì anya Where the noise is coming from

is far away

ànyaā

int.

how? what? (used in addressing persons)

anyaanwū

A. sun (as heavenly body)

azịzà anyaanwū

beam of light

iru anyaanwū

A. sun

B. sky (= iru igwē):

Iru anyaanwū dì njọ The sky is cloudy

òdìdà anyaanwū

sunset; West

òwụwa anyaanwū

sunrise; East

B. the sun, regarded as a manifestation or son of Chukwu, the

author of light and knowledge:

Chèe irū n’anyaanwū, sìị ‘Anyaanwū nà Agbàlà’ Face the

sun, saying, ‘Sun and Agbala’ (in sacrifice) (anya 1. eye +

anwū 1. sunshine)

anyàlà

see aŋàlà

ànyàlì

albino

-cha ànyàlì

be an albino:

Umù ya naàbò chàlù ànyàlì Two of his children are albinos

ànyasì, anyàsì

evening; night (cf. ùchichì)

-gba (àzì) anyàsì

take supper

kwà ànyasì

every evening

mgbèdè anyàsì,

late in the evening; evening

nni anyàsì, nni

supper

ànyasì

anyikē

axe (anyụ + ike)

osisi anyikē

wooden handle of axe

ànyị, àyị

pron.

(independent, 1^st pers. pl.) we; us; our:

Ànyị nò ebe à We are here:

Wètalụ āyị ego āyị Bring us our money:

Ònye nà-àkpọ āyị? Who is calling us?

ànyị nà ònwe ānyị

we ourselves

ànyị nwà

we here; we ourselves

di ānyị

such a one, so and so (e.g. where a name is unknown); friend

Dinwenu ānyị

Our Lord

-dị n’isi ānyị

be our responsibility

ibe ānyị

comrades; friends; compatriots; companions

ǹke āyị

our; ours

ànyìnyà, ìnyìnyà

horse

ànyìnyà ibū

donkey; mule; ass; beast of burden

ànyìnyà igwè

bicycle (old term)

-magolu ànyìnyà

mount a horse

anyụ

axe (also anyikē, anyụ ikē), see separate entry

A kàta nà a gà-ègbu ọjì, anyụ èpelụ ọnū, mpòmà èpelụ ọnū

When it is said that the iroko is to be felled, the axe loses its

edge, the matchet loses its edge (i.e. people become

discouraged at the thought of too difficult a task)

anyụ ǹkà

small hammer used by blacksmith

anyū

pumpkin

aŋā

wild cane; rattan; generic term applying to Oncocalamus

wrightianus Hutch., O. acanthocnemis, Ancistrophyllum

secundiflorum, and A. opacum, used to make chairs, beds,

walking-sticks, baskets, trays, whips string, etc.

elili aŋā

cane string (= ekwe)

-gbu aŋā

collect cane from bush

aŋàafì

kind of ant with painful bite and characteristic smell; stink-ant

aŋàlà, anyàlà

(= ofe) egg-plant with tiny fruits and edible leaves (Solanum

macrocarpon Linn.) (= àfụfā)

aŋùlì, anwùlị

feast; joyful celebration

aŋùlị nnwā

feast for a child (e.g. outing, christening, etc.) ( -ŋù 1. rejoice)

aŋụlụma

drinking spree

onye aŋụlụma

drunkard

àpà

scar; mark

àpà ọnyā

scar; scar of sore

àpà ụkwū

footprint

-bo àpà

leave scar or mark on:

Ọ bụlụ nà nwe sī ebe à gaa òzọ m tisịa gī èbo m#gị àpà If

you dare pass here again I shall give you a thorough beating

(lit

after beating you I shall leave scars on you)

-bu àpà

have, bear scar or mark

àpàlàpà, àpìlàpì

fresh fufu (from -pà mould)

akpụ àpàlàpà

raw fufu (sieved and ready for cooking)

àpàlì

climbing fibre plant

àpàtàpà

used in:

àpàtàpà ụkwū

thigh

àpị

foreskin

apịa

Black-and-White-Tailed Hornbill (Tockus fasciatus)

àpìlàpì

see àpàlàpà

apìtì

mud; mire; swamp; marsh

ànì apìtì

swamp

àràbà 1.

plant planted to enrich the soil (esp. in the Ìgbo agba enū

area)

Àràbà 2.

Asaba

ǹga Àràbà (fig.) heavy punishment (from the first prison yard

-ba + 1.

A. be many, plenty, much, abundant, numerous; increase in

number; multiply

B. grow rich, wealthy

-ba aba

be many

-bachi

be very plentiful:

Umù ya bàchì ụnò His offspring fill the house (said of a man

with many children)

-ba ògàlànyà

grow rich; become wealthy:

Ndùbeezè àbago ògàlànyà Ndụbeeze has grown rich

-ba ọnya

develop into sore or ulcer (of fresh wound)

-barị

be wealthy:

Ọ bārịgo He has become wealthy

-ba ùba

A. be many; multiply; increase:

Umù ya bàlù ùba He has many children

B. be rich, wealthy:

Fâ bàlù ùba They are rich

-bawanye

increase:

Ànyị àbawanyego We have increased (e.g. of family, society)

ùba

A. plentifulness; increase

B. wealth; riches (cf. àkù)

-ba + 2.

shout at; rebuke; chide; scold

-ba mba

scold, etc.:

Ọ bààlì yà mba He scolded him

-ba 3.

peel (with knife)

Ọ nà-àba jī He is peeling yams

-bachapù

peel completely

-ba 4.

break (under pressure); burst (as of weak clay pot with water

in it being broken by pressure of the water; of fufu balls

breaking in the pot during boiling):

Ìtè afù akārọ aka, ọ gà-àba mà ị tanye mmīli n’imē ya That

pot is not strong; it will break if you pour water into it

òbụba

breaking

-ba/-be 1.

ext. suff.1.

be (doing something); begin and continue:

Lùba ọlū Be working

Ì chò kà m bebe akwā? Do you want me to be crying?

-ba/-be 2.

ext. suff.1.

at; on; against

-dàbe

lean against:

Osisi ànyị gbūlu dàbèèlù n’ọjì The tree we cut down is being

supported by the iroko

-dọba

put on, at:

Dòba mmīli afù n’ànì Put that water on the floor

-gbabe

lean against

-kwụba

place against

-ba/-be 3.

ext. suff.2.

causative

-gbabebe

make something lean against something (cf. -gbabe lean

against)

-yibe

put clothes on someone (cf. -yi 1. wear clothes)

-ba/-be 4.

ext. suff.

away from

-chùbe

go away to fetch

-gaba, -jebe

go away

-bà- 1.

enter:

bàa

go in

òbùbà

entrance, entry; initiation

-bà èlèlè

be useful; profit; benefit:

Ọlụ à abàrò èlèlè This work is not useful (cf. -bà n’ife, -bà

ulù)

-bàkọ

A. enter together

B. be about to enter

-bàlụ

be profitable to (someone); be source of gain to:

Ọ bàgolụ ī You have profited from it

-bàmì

enter deeply into

-bà n’anya

intoxicate:

Mmanya à bà m n’anya This wine intoxicates me

-bà n’ife

be useful; profit; benefit (cf. -bà èlèlè, -bà ulù)

-bà n’ime àwòlò

enter into mask; wear mask (like a masquerade)

-bànye

join; enter; go in

ụzò mbànye

crossroads; street corner

-bànyelụ okwu

join, intervene, in a discussion

-bà ọlà

be stale (of pounded food)

-bàta

enter; come in

-bà ulù

be useful; profit; benefit (cf. -bà n’ife, -bà èlèlè)

èzi ìbà

court of a native house

-bà- 2.

soak

-bàba

soak (corn, clothes, etc.)

-bànye

soak in

-bànye akpụ

soak cassava

-bà + 3.

v.:

-bà afà

name; give a name (e.g. to new-born baby)

òbùbà afà

giving a name

-ba-cha

peel; pare (yam, cassava, etc., with knife) (cf. -be-cha)

bànyelụ

about; concerning:

Achò m ịjūta ife bànyelụ yā I want to inquire something

about him

basịkùlù

bicycle (E., cf. igwè, òkpọlè, ànyìnyà igwè)

be 1.

home; dwelling:

Ọ nò nà be yā He is at home; he is in

be m#

my house, home

ndi be

household; people of the house; fellow-townsfolk

-be 2.

cry out

Ọ nà-èbe kà ewu He is crying like a goat

òbube

crying

-be akwa

cry

-be àlìlì

mourn; lament

-bekù

appeal to; implore; cry to

-bekwàsị akwā

cry to; plead to

-be ọnwụ ōnwụ

cry in death-agony

be 3.

stop (on reaching sufficiency):

Kà o be nọòfụ!That is enough!

Ò berō etu à It is more than this (lit. It does not stop at this

size, or at this number):

Ò bù etu à kà o bēlụ? Is it only this? Is this all?

-bè 1.

cut; stop:

òbùbè

ending; stopping

ùwà ebè èbè

everlasting; for ever and ever

Bèelụchī,

personal name (‘Except God’)

Bèelụchukwu

bèelụ mà

only if; unless (not):

Agà m àbịa bèelụ mà ị bịa I will come only if you will come:

Bèelụ mà ì mè ife à m amā abịa Unless you do this, I will

not come

bèelụ sò

except:

Mmadù niīne bìàsì, bèelụ sò m All the people came except

-bèji

cut down

-bèka

cut out; cut into

-bèkalụ

cut part of (for)

-bèkanye

cut part and give

-bèkapù

cut off:

O bēkàpùlì aka He cut off (someone’s) hand

-bèkapùta

cut to pieces from

-bèkọ

cut together

-bèlì

cut into pieces

-bèlụ

subtract; deduct

-bènata

lessen; reduce:

Bènatalụ m#egō Reduce the price for me:

Àrụ nā-aya yā ebènatago His illness has abated; he is

convalescing:

Ejì m aka nà ọ nà-ebènata yā I hope she is improving (in

illness)

-bè nkenke

cut short; shorten; abbreviate (story, speech, etc.)

-bè nni

cut up food for eating

-bènye

cut and give

-bènyelụ okwu

join, intervene, in a discussion

-bè okwu

settle a dispute

-bèpù

cut off

-bè ugwù

circumcise; (fig.)

Mmanya èbègo ugwù The pot of wine is no longer full

ebè èbè

endless

ndù ebè èbè

everlasting life

mbè aka nnī

handful of food (e.g. fufu)

-bè 2.

perch, settle (of bird)

-bèdo

perch on

-bègolu

perch on top of:

Nnùnụ à bègòlù n’enu osisi This bird perched on top of the

tree

-bèkwàsị

alight; perch

-bè mbè

catch by the leg (in wrestling)

ànùnù ebè

tree, supposed very poisonous, associated with ànùnù (lit.

ànùnù never settles on it)

-be-cha

pare; peel (orange, yam, cassava):

Ọ nà-èbecha òlòma He is peeling an orange (cf. -ba-cha)

beèdì

bed (E., cf. àkwà)

beèlùtù

belt (E.)

-bi 1.

live; dwell:

Na-èbi òfụma Goodbye (lit. keep living well)

òbibi

act of dwelling

ebe ōbibi

habitation; dwelling place

-bichi

occupy another’s house

-bidèbe

live near

-bifè (okè)

live too long (in a place)

-bi ichè

live separately

-bika ụnò

dwell in a house till it is old

-bikọ

live together

mbikọ

living together

-bimalụ

live for a long time in one place and become accustomed to it

-bimì

live far in

-bi n’ùdo

live in peace, harmony

-binyelụ

live with

-bisà

live extending far over an area:

Fâ bisà èbisà They live spread out over a wide area, wide

apart

-bisò

live alone

-bitè aka

A. live far away

B. live for long

-bi 2.

cut; slice

òbibi

cutting

-bi abụbọ

cut vegetables

-bì 1.

press; print

òbìbì

printing; pressing

-bì akwụkwọ

print, type paper, book

-bìdà

press down; reduce; compress

-bìdo

press; press on:

Bìdo akā n’obì ị Press your hand on your chest

-bìkwàsị aka

lay hands upon

-bìkwàsị aka n’isi

confirm (of church confirmation)

-bì ọmà

greet (by embracing (cf. -ti ọmà)

-bìpùta akwụkwọ

publish a book

-bìtụ aka

take hold of; grasp; press with hand lightly (e.g. as when

feeling the temperature of a person with hand)

-bì 2.

A. cut

òbìbì

terminating; ending

-bì nkenke

shorten (a speech)

B. terminate; bring to an end

-bì okwu

settle a matter; resolve a quarrel

-bì- 3.

borrow

-bìli

borrow something (especially money)

-bìnye

lend (especially money):

onye nā-ebìnye egō

money-lender

mbìbì

borrowing

-gba mbìbì

borrow; go about borrowing:

Ọ nà-àgba mbìbì

He is borrowing money

egō

-bì-chi

stop; block; prevent

-bi-do

begin

mbido

beginning; starting

mbido arò

beginning of the year:

Ọ gà-àbịa na mbido arò She will come at the beginning of

the year

abù mbido

opening song

isi mbido

beginning

-bì-gbọ

shout loudly; roar; bawl at:

Bìgbọ nwatà afū nā-akpa āghala Shout at that child causing

confusion

bikō

int.

please! I beg you!

bìlìbìlì

cloudiness; dimness

bìlìbìli chī

dawn(ing)

-bì-ni

get up

-bìni ọtọ

stand up; rise up

mbìnite (n’ọnwụ)

resurrection; rising (from the dead)

-bịa

come

òbịbịa

coming; advent

Òbịbịaā Kraìst

Advent

-bịachi anya

come regularly

-bịachìgha

come; return

bịadị(lì)

by the way, ...

-bịakèta

come nearer

-bịakwute

come near to (a person)

-bịalu

arrive at; reach

-bịa ǹso

approach

-bịa(sò) n’àzụ

come after

arō nā-abịa

A. next year (cf. arō òzọ)

B. coming year(s)

-sibịa

come from; come (by way of)

-bìà

squeeze; compress

òbìbìà

squeezing; compressing

-bìàju

fill (by squeezing in)

-bìàkọ

cram; squeeze in; pack together

-bìànye

plunge, dip, poke, squeeze in

bìàlìì

softness; smoothness

-bo 1.

put on; load on; help to raise to head

-bo anya

stare at

-bo àpà

leave scar or mark on

-bogbu

overload

-bo ibu

lift a load onto someone’s head

-bo iru

stare at

-bokwàsị anya

stare at

-bo + 2.

v.:

-bo èbùbò, ebùbo

accuse (wrongly):

O bòlù mù èbùbo He accused me falsely

-bo 3.

ext. suff. 1. (break) off (of something large and brittle and

capable of being reduced to ashes or powder, e.g. wall, floor)

-gbabo

break off:

Okpòlò igwē dī n’ime ụnò gà-àgbabo ajā The rod in the

room will break off a piece of the wall

-tibo

break off

-bọ

rake surface; clear; dig up

òbụbọ

raking; digging;

-bọ ànì

scratch, paw the ground (of fowls, dogs)

-bọ ezi

clear a path, roads, of weeds

-bọ ilo

clear the village square

-bọkòta

gather together, pile up

-bọni abọni

dig up earth into beds for planting

-bọ ozu

exhume a body

-bọsa

spatter (e.g. with dust)

-bọsà

scatter (esp. grain)

-bọsàsị

scatter about

-bò

A. divide; cut up (animal carcase); break:

Ì bògo chī? Good morning!

-bòkapù

cut out

-bòkasì

divide into pieces

-bọlì

divide into small pieces

B. pull apart

-bòcha

be inquisitive; dig out information

-bò ntòọō

pull down the lower eyelids and widen the eyes as a form of

mockery, to imply ‘I told you so!’ or ‘Just what I expected!’

(i.e. rejoicing over someone else’s misfortune)

-bò 2.

revenge; avenge;

Bòlụ ife o mèlù gị Take revenge for what he did to you

-bògwalụ

take revenge:

Abògwalụgo m#ife o mèlù m I have taken revenge for what

he did to me

-bò mbò

seek revenge with blood:

Ndi à jèkò mbòThese people are going to seek blood revenge

-bò ọbò

avenge; revenge

bọòlù

ball (E.)

-kpa bọòlù

dribble a ball

-bu 1.

carry, bear (something big or heavy)

òbubu

carrying; bearing

-bu afọ imē

be pregnant

-bu agha

fight

-bu ajù

cause dizziness

-bu amụma

prophesy

-bu àpà

bear scar or mark

-bu asị je ogbè

gossip:

òbù àsị èje ogbè

a gossip

-budà

bring down; humble

-bufè

carry over, across

-buga

carry to; transport

-bugha(lị)

postpone

-bughàlị

carry badly

-bughalị anya

be mad, dizzy, giddy

-bukwàsị

place on

-bulu

carry, bear (something big or heavy)

-bulu n’isi

A. carry on head

B. undertake

-bu mmụō

be a priest; look after deity

-buna

carry home

-buni enū

lift up; carry shoulder-high:

Ogè ọ gbā-sịlị ọsọ fâ bùnì yà enū When he finished the race,

he was carried shoulder-high

-buni ijè

start on a journey

-bu n’isi

A. be youthful, in one’s prime:

O bù ume n’isi He is in the bloom of youth

B. know by heart

C. be responsible

-bu n’obì

learn by heart

-bu ọnū

fast

-bụpù

carry away

-bupùte

A. carry out (object)

B. bring out, display (e.g. dance)

-buruka

move; carry aside

-busà

scatter (heavy objects)

-busàsị

scatter about (heavy objects)

-busò agha

war against

-bute

bring

-butè aka

carry to a great distance

-bute ọyà

catch (a disease)

-bu ụkà

make trouble

ajù (-bu)

be dizzy

-bu + 2.

v.:

-bu isi, -bu isì

be first (to come)

-bu ụzò

lead; precede; used after another verb, = before:

-dịbu

exist before

-kwubulu

say beforehand

-bu 3.

infl. suff.

(emphatic past) formerly; once (but not now):

Ọ bùbù onye nkuzi He was once a teacher

Ị nà-àlabu mmānya? Have you been drinking wine before?:

Ọ zūtabugolu m#ewu He has bought a goat for me before

-bù +

be large, stout

òbùbù

stoutness

-bù ibù

be stout, large, flourishing

-bù isi

be horrible; be horrified

-bù ogbè

be big

bùlòbùlo

balloon (E.)

bùusù

cat (E. puss, cf. nwa mba, nwa ōnogbò)

-bụ 1.

be (used to identify two noun phrases with each other):

Abū m onye isī I am the leader

òbụbụ

becoming

-bụ èjìma

be twins

-bụgodu isi

be the head (first and foremost, before being anything else)

-bụgbàdo

be altogether, entirely

-bụ isi

be first, in the first place

-bụkọdo

be both in; carry both in

bụlụzịdụ

even if:

Ọ gà-àsọ m#mà ọ bụlụ nà Òfô mèlù òfụma na nnene

akwụkwọ arō à ọ bụlụzịdụ onye ǹke īkpe āzụ It would

please me if Ọfọ could pass this year’s examination, even if

he is in the last place

-bụ ògbò

be namesake, age-mate

-bụ onye ōsi ālị

be a witness

ọ bù ezīe nà

though; although (lit. It is true that...):

Ọ bù ezīe nà mû bù nwatà mà enwèlù m uchè Although

young, I am sensible

ọ bụlụgodụ

if; even if; though:

Ọ bụlụgodụ nà fâ rìlì nnē agà m ènwe ike ịkpāta nni gā-

ezùlu fā Even if they are many I shall be able to provide food

that will be sufficient for them

ọ bụlụzịa

if it happens; if it later happens:

Ọ bụlụzịa nà fâ kpò nwannē gị bịa, sòlu fā nàba If it

happens that they come with your brother, follow them home

Ọ bù màkà ǹke à therefore; hence (lit. It is because of this...)

òbụnà, òbùnà

any; every:

Nye m#ife ōbụnà Give me anything

ò bụnā, ò bụnāda,

even if; even; if:

ò bụnādụ

Bikō nye m#nni ò bụnāda ǹkè oyī Please give me some food,

even if it is cold

ò bụràba

even; even if; although; be it:

Bikō nye m#egō, ò bụràba afù Please give me some money,

be it (i.e. even if it is) only a half-kobo

-bụ 2.

eject; project

-bụ asọ

spit

-bụ ọnū

curse

-bụ ọnụ mmīli

spit

-bụsa

drizzle (of rain)

-bụ + 3.

scramble

-bụ abụ

scramble (for something)

-bụkọ

get all by scrambling

-bụsịsị

scramble madly (for something):

Fâ bùsìsìlì àbụsịsị There was a great scramble for it

-bụta

get by scrambling

-bụ ùbụ

scramble (for something)

-bù 1.

break (hard covering, shell) to get out contents (e.g. egg,

ụkwà); hatch:

Òkụkò mụ gà-abū akwa yā n’ọnwa òzọ My hen will hatch

her eggs next month

òbùbù

hatching (of eggs)

-bù àkwa

peck open shell (of hen helping chickens to hatch)

-bù ụmù

peck open shell

-bù + 2.

sing

-bù abù

sing (a solo)

-bù 3.

uproot:

Ọ nà-abù nkwū He is uprooting a palmtree

òbùbù

uprooting

-bù àbù

root up (cassava and cocoyam)

-bùnite

uproot

-bù osisi

uproot tree

bùù

quietness

CH.

-cha 1.

A. be light- or reddish-coloured (as opposed to being dark)

-cha ànyàlì

be an albino

-cha èdo èdò

be yellow in colour

-chagha

turn pale

-chaghalị

be light in colour; change colour; fade; be bloodless (of

person)

-chaghalị anya

change expression, colour of eyes (through sorrow, anger,

surprise, etc.)

-chagha(lị) iru

change colour, expression (cf. -chaghalị anya)

cha isi awō

turn grey (of black hair turning grey)

-cha mmanụ

be reddish orange (as oil)

mmanụ

-cha ntụ ntụ

be ash-grey in colour

-cha òbàla òbàlà

be red, blood-red

-cha òcha

be fair in complexion

-cha ufie ūfie

be red

-dị òcha

be fair in complexion; be white, clean

ọcha

white; light-coloured

òcha

whiteness; light colour

B. be(come) ripe, as shown by change of colour (of fruit, e.g.

orange, banana; contrast -ka, ripen or mature by getting hard,

as maize):

Ọ nà-àcha ācha It is ripening (and changing colour)

-chakpọ

be fully ripe

-chalò àchalò

be fully ripe

-chatò

be over-ripe

osè ọcha

ripe (red) pepper

-cha 2.

wash, scrub (hand, foot, hard object); clean off; be clean, pure

(cf. -sa 1.)

òchịcha

washing; scrubing

-chacha

clean (stronger than -cha)

-chachanye

wash into

-chagbu ọnya

heal a sore by washing

-chapù

wash off

-wụcha (àrụ)

wash, wash clean, cleanse (body)

-wụchapù (àrụ)

wash (the body) thoroughly

-wụchapùta

wash thoroughly

-cha 3.

shine (as sun); glisten; glitter; blaze; beat down (as sun);

scorch (of sun, fire, hot iron, etc.) (cf. -mù 2., but stronger)

òchịcha

scorching; beating (of sun)

Anwụ chàlù The sun shone

-chachị

dazzle:

Anwụ chàchìlì m anya The sun dazzled me

-chagbu

cause to wither (by heat); scorch

-chani

flare up; blaze; force away by heat

-chanwụ

wither

-cha ọkụ

be red-hot (of metal)

-cha 4.

open up; reveal

-chalàpù anya

open eyes wide; stare at; look sternly at

-chalụ àba

lie flat on the back

-cha n’anwū

be apparent, obvious, conspicuous (cf. -gba n’anwū)

-cha- 5.

ext. suff. 1.

partial (doing of action); act (on relatively small object or

small part of object):

Tàchalụ nwantịntị Bite off a little bit.:

Tìchalụ yā Slap him gently.:

Ì nà-ètichalụ m#àbụ m òyì gị? Are you taking liberties with

me by slapping me?:

Nàchalụ yà akwụkwọ Snatch the book from her.:

Bikō fụchàpụ m#ife dābà m n’anya Please help me by

blowing something out from my eye

-cha 6.

ext. suff. 1.

thoroughness

-kachasị

surpass entirely (cf. -kasị surpass)

-nụcha

hear well (cf. -nụ hear)

-ruchanye

pour all into (cf. -runye pour into)

-chà 1.

give place; give way

-chàlụ n’ụzò

let one pass, give way to

-chà n’ùsọ

go aside; give way

-chà 2.

cut (slang)

-gbubè, -bè

more commonly used)

-chà akwà

cut cloth (e.g. into yards)

-chà akwụkwọ

cut paper

-chà elili

cut rope

chalekū, chelekū,

A. Black Tamarind (Dialium guineense Willd.), tree with

ichēku

small edible dark-brown fruits which grow in clusters

ichēku oyìbo

Indian Tamarind (Tamarindus indica Linn.)

B. charcoal made from it

cham

dane-gun

-che 1.

wait; watch for; watch over, protect, guard, shelter (in good

sense); lie in wait for, ambush (in bad sense)

òchiche

waiting; preserving; protecting

-chebe, -chelụ

guard; keep; preserve

-chebe ntì

listen

-chedo

protect; shelter

nchedo

defence; protection; sheltering

-chedo mmilī

hold water

-che iru

be opposite

-chekàta

wait a long time

-chekwa(ba)

look after; take care of

-chekwa iwe

bear malice

-chekwata

save (money)

nchekwata

saving(s) (of money, etc)

-che ǹche

keep watch; watch; keep vigil:

Ọ nà-èche nche He keeps watch (over something); He keeps

vigil.:

A gà-èche yā nche It will be watched

-che ǹdò

A. act as regent; administer during interregnum

B. give shade

-che ntì

listen

-cheràba

wait a long time

ndi nche atụlū

shepherds

òche ānwụ

umbrella; sunshade

òche ǹdò

anything giving shade (lit. giver of shade)

Òrànàǹche

male name (lit. all at watch)

-che 2.

present; offer

-che iru

face

-chelịta

face (of a person)

nchelịta

facing; opposing

nchelịta irū

opposite; facing

-che n’iru

present; place before

-che ọjị

give kola

òche ògù

praying mantis (lit. the one offering fight)

-chè

think; ponder; meditate

òchìchè

thinking; pondering; meditating

-chè echìchè

think; think deeply on an abstract problem; ponder; meditate

-chèfù

forget

-chègbu

worry; care; be anxious

-chèghalị

reconsider; repent

nchèghalị

repentance

-nchèkasị

worry greatly; wear out oneself with thinking

nchèkasị

anxiety; care; worry

-chèkwube

trust

nchèkwube

trust; confidence; trustworthiness; faithfulness

-chèta

remember

nchèta

memorial; remembrance

abù nchèta

memorial song

ife nchèta

memorial

-chè uchè

think; wonder; doubt; be perplexed

-chèzọ

forget

nchèzọ

forgetfulness

chelekū

see chalekū

chi 1.

A. (in general) animate, purposeful essence; procreative life-

force

B. (specifically) life-force or spiritual essence of an

individual, which with he has made a pre-birth contract that

determines his life-pattern:

Chukwû kèlù gị, kèe chi nwē i God created you and created

your personal chi:

Òfu nnē nà-àmụ, mà òfu chī adī ejì The same mother, yes;

but not the same chi:

Chi m, ekwēnaà! My chi, don’t let it happen (exclamation

when danger threatens):

Di nwaànyì bù chi yā A woman’s husband is her personal chi

(i.e. directs her life). A good chi is responsible for one's

success, and a bad chi for one's failure:

Akà m gì ka chī gị I am greater than you and your chi:

Abù m onye ajō chi I am a man of a bad chi

ego chī

money ritually received for one's chi

ewu chī

a goat given to one's mother for her personal chi, which must

never be killed:

Ewu chī nwaànyì bù òfu ụzò nnwā A woman’s chi-goat is as

sacred as a child

òfu chī

(fig.) having the same character or behaviour (of two people)

ògbụ chī

fig-tree planted near dwelling to represent one's chi

B. (specifically and more particularly) life-essence of the

universe; God:

Chi ọma

God the Good:

mà Chi kweif God allows. Usually qualified as Chukwu (i.e.

Chi Ukwu, Great God, see separate entry) or Chinēkè (i.e.

Chi nā-ekè God who creates)

chi 2.

day (i.e. day time)

chi abòọ

day breaks

chi ànaā

It is evening; the day declines

chi èfoo

day breaks

chi èjimìe

It is late evening, night

chi èjiri

The day declines

chi ekùfoo

It is getting light (of day)

chi emìe

It is late evening or night

chi èrulu

It is afternoon; the day draws in; the evening comes on

(idiomatic)

chī jìrìlì

Darkness (night) is coming on: (fig.)

Chī jìrìlì n’òbòdò taàtà Someone very important died in

town today

chi ōfifo, ōfufo

period after daybreak as light grows stronger; daybreak

bìlìbìli chī

dawn(ing)

Ì sago chī? Good morning

-fo chi

last till dawn; last till the following morning

Kà chi foo Good night

ùfochī

dawn; dayspring; next day

-chi 3.

make (king, minister); crown (cf. -chị); take title

-chi echi(chi)

take or bestow a title

-chi ezè

become, be installed Chief or King:

Kà ànyị je ebe a nà-èchi ezè Let us go to the place where a

Chief is being installed

-chi mmụō

take a title of a god

-chi ọzō

take a title take ọzō title (lit. take honour)

-chizù

become fully qualified; take the highest (hierachical) title:

Ukò Chukwu ǹke à èchizùgo This priest has become full

qualified (i.e. is now a full priest)

-chi 4.

A. show; present:

Bikō chi ọkū Please show the light

B. put drink to someone's lips

-chi 5.

block

-chi anya

be well-woven, tight

-chi ntì

be deaf, obstinate, disobedient

-kpùchi

cover

-chi + 6.

report; make report of

-chi ikpe

complain; make complaint

-chi + 7.

A. tap (palm wine)

B. cup; draw blood

-chi ochi

cup; draw blood

òchi

cupping, drawing blood with horn or horn-shaped calabash

from any part of the body to relieve congestion, swelling,

pain, etc.

-chi 8.

ext. suff. 1.

in place of

-kùchi

take wife of dead relative

-tinyechi

put in place of

-chì 1.

rub forcefully; scrub

òchìchì

scrubbing

-chì akwà

scrub cloth

-chìchapù

wipe off; rule off

-chìchapù anya

stare; glare

-chìchapù obì

be broadminded; clear the mind of prejudice

-chìfịa àrụ

abrase the skin

-chìtụlụ àrụ

muzzle; rub against the body (of animals)

-chì- 2.

move

-chì àzụ

return; turn back

-chìgha àzụ

return

-chìghalị

turn round and round; be undecided:

Ndi aghā ayī

Our troops retreated

chìghàlù àzụ

-chìpù

start on a journey

-chì 3.

(slang):

-chì jọòbù

cheat; unlawfully use part of another's time in attending to

one's needs (e.g. as a clerk who secretly fills in football

coupons in the office); do petty job as a sideline

chiǹchì

bedbug (Yoruba ìdun)

chinchìǹ

"chinchin"; i.e. a type of small biscuit, fried hard in small

pieces

-chị 1.

A. carry, take (many things)

òchịchị

taking, carrying (many things)

afọ ōchịchị

diarrhoea

-chị aka jī

gather in yam tendrils

-chịdèbe

bring near

-chịghalị uchè

consider; ponder; meditate; put one's mind to

-chị inyemè

marry a plurality of wives

-chịkọ

gather together

-chịkọlụ

take the whole number for oneself

-chịkọta

gather and give entirely; gather together and bring a whole

number

-chịlị

take to oneself

-chịni

lift up (several things)

-chịni aka

A. lift up hands

B. take off the hands; desist from

-chịnita aka

hold up the hands

-chị òkwè

A. divine with beads, nuts

B. pay divine homage to òkwè; hence village name (Isi òkwè)

-chị òmù

have a strong current (of river)

-chịpù

take away (several things)

-chịta

bring (several things)

B. lead; be the leader (e.g. of a group)

-chị ụmù

look after children or young of animals

C. rule; govern; reign; direct

òchịchị

rule; government; ruling:

Ọchịchị Nàìjirìà

the Government of Nigeria

-chị (achị)

rule; govern

-chịdebe

cease reigning, ruling

-chịkọbà

rule

òchì agha

A. military officer; commanding officer; military leader

B. male name

ndi nā-achị āchị

the rulers; members of the government

-chị + 2.

be slippery

-chị achị

be slippery:

Ebe à nà-àchị āchị This place is slippery

-chì

grunt; make sound with effort

òchìchì

grunt; sound made with effort

òchìchì akwā

hard sobbing

òchìchị nsị

defecation with grunts:

Onye ọyà afù nà-achī nsị The sick man is defecating with

grunts

-chì (àchì)

cry, chirp (as a cricket)

-chì akwa

cry very much; sob (harder than -kwa akwa)

-chì ọchì

laugh hard or uproariously (no vowel suffix; less common

than -mụ amụ)

chìm, chìm

firm

chịmchìm,

strong; upright; firm:

chịmchịm

Ndi aghā anyī nò chịmchìm n’òbòdò afù Our troops remain

in firm control of the city

-dị chìm

be firm:

Oche ǹke à dì chìm

This chair is very firm

-kwụ chìm

be firm; stand firm; be firmly established or secure in a place

(of person)

-chò

display articles for sale (also -chòbe)

-chọ

A. want; desire; seek; need:

Ugbọ m#chòlù ndokwa My car needs repairs

òchịchọ

seeking; desire; wish

oke ōchịchọ

excessive desire; greed

-chọba

seek

-chọ egō

seek for money (by any means):

Ọ nà-àchọ egō ri nnē He tries to make money by hook or by

crook

-chọfè

search more than necessary

-chọ mmā

decorate; ornament

-chọ okwu

provoke, seek a quarrel

-chọpùta, -chọòta

search out; find; discover

-chọsà

seek everywhere

-chọta

find

-chọ ùdo

seek for peace

-chọ ụla

go and sleep with friend or relative

B. be in season, on heat (of animals):

Ewu Ndù àchọgo; a gà-àkpụgalụ yā mkpi Ndụ's goat is on

heat; it will be taken to a he-goat

-chu 1.

be dull, half-done; fade; tarnish

-chu echu

be dull, half-done (of colour of half-cooked food); fall short of

expected standard (esp. in colour); be dull, morose, half-baked

(of person); be degrading (of action)

-chu ichuchu

be unripe

-chu ụla

be wakeful, sleepless

-churu

fade; tarnish:

Ìyèli à èchurugo The earring has tarnished (stronger than

èchugo)

-chu + 2.

be greedy, lazy; gorge

-chu + 3.

fetch (usu. water)

-chube

go away to fetch

-chu iyī

go to a spring or stream to draw water

-chu mmilī

go to fetch water

-chu + 4.

persevere

-chu uchu

persevere; be industrious

Chukwu, Chuku

God (chi 1. + ukwu). In Nri belief, Chukwu has four major

manifestations: Anyanwū, the sun, which represents Chukwu

as everywhere present, all-powerful, and the source of

knowledge; Agbàlà, manifested in the fertility of the earth

and its creatures; Chi, the ability of living beings to procreate;

Òkìkè, the never-ending process of creation (Onwuejeogwu

1974:82)

Chukwu Ābịàmà

God the Provider

Chukwu ēmeka

A. God has done well

B. male name

Chukwu Òkìkè

God the creator

Ikeē Chukwu

A. the power of God

B. male name

Ukò Chukwu

(Christian usage) minister; pastor; deacon; priest

-chụ 1.

drive; pursue

òchụchụ

driving; pursuing

-chụ ala

wean

-chụ anụ

chase animals

-chụchìgha

chase, drive back

-chụdà

drive down

-chụgo

drive up

-chụkọ nta

hunt together

-chụmì

drive far away

-chụna(ta)

drive home

-chụni

stir up (birds, etc.)

-chụ nta

hunt; go hunting

-chụ ọsọ

drive; pursue

-chụpù

drive away, out

-chụsà

scatter:

Ǹke à chụsàsìlì egwū nā-atụ m#This dispels my fears

-chụ + 2.

v.:

-chụ àjà

offer joyless sacrifice to evil spirits (sometimes connected

with 1., as the sacrifice is to drive out the spirits)

-chụ + 3.

v.:

-chụ ajù

be, feel giddy

-da + 1.

warm; heat up

-da n’ọkụ

warm (soup, etc.)

-da ọkụ

brand; cauterize

-dazè

melt slowly

-da 2.

press (cloth)

-dakọ

press (cloth, to dry it)

-da + 3.

v.:

-da anya

shirk one’s duty:

Ọ nà-àda anya ọlū He is shirking the work

-da ǹdamanya

be lazy; malinger; loaf about

-dà 1.

fall; befall; occur; happen to (of something tragic); suffer

from; fail; set (of sun):

Ògù dàlù A fight broke out:

Akụ mmīli nà-adà Hailstones are falling

òdìdà

fall; fall of a great or rich person; failure

òdìdà anyanwū,

West; sunset

òdìda chī

-dà àba

fall on the back

-dà adà, ada

fall; fall down (usually of persons):

Ọ dàlù adà She fell down

-dà aka

lay hands on

-dà àkàkpò

be stunted (of person):

Ọ dàlù àkàkpò He is stunted in growth

-dà àkwụkwù

have epilepsy; be epileptic; have epileptic fits

-dàbà

fall in with; correspond; be in agreement with

-dàbànye

fall into; match; correspond

-dàbe

support; rest back on

-dàbelụ

lean upon

-dàbepù

fall off from (of part)

-dàchasị

lose all one’s resources; be liquidated (business); fail in all

subjects (in exam)

Ọlụ ānyị amā-adàchasị ncha Our business cannot fail

completely

-dàchi

fall across (so as to block)

-dàchìgha àzụ

fall back sideways; rebound horizontally; backslide (e.g. as

child’s progress):

Àda mū nà-àdachìgha āzụ n’akwụkwọ My eldest daughter

is falling behind at school

-dàdo

lean against; fall upon:

Nkwụ afù dàdòlù n’enu ụnòThat palmtree fell on top of the

house

-dàfèga

fall across something, e.g. stream

-dàfo

clear and open up as a result of a fall (e.g. of tree)

-dàgbu

fall heavily upon, so as to kill

ndàgbu

a fall of something heavy so as to kill; fall occasioning death

(usually of another object but can be of object falling)

ǹdàgbu ōnwe

death (by falling)

-dàghalị

toss about; be restless:

Ogè ọ ŋùsìlì mmanya, ò na-ādàghalị When he had taken the

palmwine, he started to fall about

-dà ibì

have hydrocele

-dàji

fall across and break:

Ogbè ụkwà adàjigo mkpọ A fruit of ụkwà has broken the

walking stick.:

Mkpọ igwè m dàjìlì n’ùtụtù My steel walking-stick fell and

snapped in the morning

-dàjina

have a hole, hollow, groove (of wall)

ndàjina

hollow place, groove (in wall, etc.)

-dàkọlịta

be in harmony with (lit. sound together or fall together)

ndàkọlịta

harmony

-dàkọ ọnụ

coincide; be in harmony

-dàkụlụ

fall against

-dàkpò

attack; fall upon (e.g. of house)

-dàkpò

fall upon violently; pounce upon (of people fighting)

-dakpò àrụ

feel ill

-dàkpọ

fall into ruins; fall down flat

-dàkpu

fall in:

Nwoōkoyè adàkpugo n’ọnụ Nwookoye has fallen into a hole

-dàkpudo

fall upon

-dàkwàsị

fall on; befall:

Ọ dàkwàsìlì ya It fell on him, or it befell him (of fate, etc.)

-dàkwepù

snap

-dàkwepù amū

laugh loudly; burst out laughing

-dàlụ

fall short of what was expected

-dàlụ aka

take by the hand

-dà mbà

be lazy; be exhausted, worn out, very tired

-dà mkpùna

have hernia

-dà n’aka

take by the hand

-dànarị

fall off; slip off; fall from

-dà ǹgwọlō

be lame

-dà nra

fine:

Fâ gà-adā yā nra They will fine him (cf. -li nra)

-dà n’ụkwụ

happen in one’s presence

-dà ǹzuzō

hide oneself

-dànye

give in; submit; fall into

-dà òbùlùbù

fall upon one in a mass

ǹda òbùlùbù

falling upon in a mass:

Fâ bìàkwùtèlù yà nà ǹda òbùlùbù They came falling upon

him in a mass

-dà ogbènyà

be very poor

-dà ogbī

be dumb

-dà òbò

be idle (= -dì òbò)

-dà ọbù

fall into pit trap

-dà ọkpụ āba

fall on the back

-dà ọmà

embrace

-dapù

fall off (of whole, from a place)

Akwụkwọ afù àdapùgoThat paper has fallen off (e.g. the

table)

-dapùta

happen; occur unexpectedly

ife ndapùta

event; occurrence

-dàsịsị

drop one by one:

Akwụ nà-adàsịsị Palm-nuts keep on falling

-dà ùbìàm

be poor, a pauper

-dàwa

fall and break

-dàwụsa

fall against; sprinkle; scatter upon (as rain)

mmilī ǹdà arò the first rain of the year

ndàbebe

support; stay; upholding:

Ndàbebe ụnō à sìlì ike The supporting posts of this house are

strong

-dà + 2.

v.:

-dà ùdà

sound

-dà + 3.

v.:

-dà ọnū

be expensive

daa

day by day; daily:

Ọ nà-èkwu ife à daa He says this all the time

kwà daa

every day:

Ànyị nà-ème yā kwà daa We do it daily:

ụbòsì daa

every day; daily; day by day

-dà-jụ

be quiet: calm, peaceful

Ọ dàjụgo

It is quiet:

Ọ dàjùlù àdàjụ

It is very quiet

ndàjụ

calm; quiet; fricanaùity:

Ndàjụ adūrọ ebe à There is no quiet here

-dàjụ obì

propitiate; appease; atone

dàalụ

int.

thank you; a form of greeting

dàalụ nù,

a form of greeting (to more than one person in the same

dàalụkwọ nù

place); I greet you all

dàalụ sọò

thank you very much!

dàalụ zị

form of greeting used by a person leaving a place to the

person he is leaving; dàalụ zị nù such a greeting directed to

more than one person

dàalụ ọlū

salutation to those working

dandā

sugar-ant (cf. arụrụ ọcha)

-de 1.

mark; write; press

òdide

writing; pressing; marking

-de akwà

iron clothes

-de akwụkwọ

write letter

òde ākwụkwọ

clerk; letter-writer

-debà

write into

-dechapù

erase; cancel

-dedo

write upon

-defìè

write incorrectly

-degalụ akwụkwọ,

write (letter) to

letà

-dekwu

write more

-de letà

write letter

-delụ akwụkwọ,

A. write (letter) to

letà

B. help to write a letter

-denye

write in(to); enter by writing; include

-depùta

write out; copy out:

Depùta ǹke à Copy this out

ndepùta

edition

-deta letà

write letter to the speaker

-detò

lampoon; write against; libel

-de ùlì

decorate the body with ùlì

-de- 2.

put; place

-debe

A. appoint; place

B. take care of; keep; observe

-debe ọnū duu

be silent

-debe uchè

think; imagine

-delụ duu

stop talking; remain silent

-de n’ile

taste; place on the tongue

-detụ ọnū

taste

-de 3.

sound; rumble

-de mmilī

threaten rain (with thundering)

-demù

murmur; mutter; growl; grumble

-derube

rumble; sound around

-de 4.

see -gi-de

-dè 1.

be soft (as ripe fruit); be soft and wet, soggy (as muddy

ground, wet clothes); dissolve in water (cf. -di-dè)

-dè ǹdè

be sickly, delicate

-dèsị mmilī

drip (as of wet clothes)

-dè 2.:

-dè ǹdè

disappear

-de-be, -do-be

ext. suff. 1.

stop (cf. -be 3.)

-bedebe

stop crying:

O bedebego kà ò nà-èbelịsị? Has she stopped (weeping) or is

she still weeping?

-jedebe

come to a stop:

Ebe à kà o jēdebelụ It was here that he stopped

-dè-be, -dò-be

ext.suff. 1

near(er)

-bịadèbè

come nearer:

Bịadèbè m#Come nearer to me

-jedèbè

go, move nearer:

Jedèbe ọkū Go nearer the fire

deème

int.

thank you!

Deì

name of one of the founding fathers of one of the nine

quarters of Onitsha; hence Umùdeì, a village in Onitsha

founded by him

ụmùdeì

freeborn children; children of a king or chief

husband

di ānyị

such a one; so and so!; (used to address a man, or less often to

refer to him, either where name is unknown or by wives

referring to husband)

di jī

farmer; one who successfully cultivates much ground

dikē

strong or courageous person

di mgba

A. wrestler

B. convulsions (because the child suffering a convulsive

attack behaves like a person who is wrestling with an unseen

wrestler)

di mkpà

strong (young) man, originally one who could cultivate a large

number of yams (stored on mkpà)

di ntā

hunter

nwa di ntā

hunter’s attendant

di nwēnu

owner; master

Dinwēnu ānyị,

Our Lord; the Lord:

Dinwēnu

Jesù bù Dinwēnu ānyịJesu is our Lord

di òchì

palm wine tapper

di ōkpa

term of respectful address to men in general, esp. an elderly

one; master

di òkpà

cock

di ọkpala

A. first-born son

B. eldest man, and therefore priest, in a patrilineage

-la di

have sexual intercourse (of woman); be promiscuous, sexually

loose (of woman)

-na be dī

A. (of woman just married) be married; go, return to

husband’s house

B. (in normal sense) go, return to husband or husband’s house

-nụ di

marry (of a woman)

nwunyē di

co-wife; ‘mate’

ọzò dimgba

gorilla

-dì

endure; be patient

-dìdo obì

be patient

-dì èdì

endure:

Ị gà-edī yā èdìYou have to endure it

-dì ǹdìdì

be patient

dibìà

native doctor; a member of the professional corporate group

of traditional medicine men and diviners

dibìà afā

a native doctor who specializes in divination

dibīa àjà

a dibìà who specializes in preparing the various sacrifices

associated with the alūsị and the mmụō

dibìà ọgwù

medicine man who specializes in medical treatment

nwa dibìà

native doctor’s attendant; native doctor

-di-de

ext.suff. 1

continuously; persistently

-jedide

keep going on

-kwudide

continue speaking

-kwụdide

continue standing

-dì-dè

soak; soften:

Achìchà ị bànyèlù nà mmilī n’ùtụtù èdìdègoThe biscuit you

steeped in water in the morning has become soft

-dìdè obì

A. make to feel sick; cause nausea

B. yearn over; be affectionate (lit. soften heart)

(obì) -dìdè

feel sick; feel nausea:

Obì nà-èdidē m#I feel nausea

obì ndidè

nausea (caused by indigestion)

-di-nà

lie down; have sexual intercourse with; sleep with, a woman:

A nà-èdinā x A (a man) sleeps with x (a woman)

-dinàji onu

strain or crick the neck while sleeping:

Edīnàjì m onu I strained my neck while sleeping

-dinàkọ

have sexual intercourse (lit. lie together)

-dinà mmakpù

lie on the stomach

-dinà àba

sleep on the back

-dinà nkọ

lie on the side

àkwà edinà

bed

-dị

i.v.

be (in a state of); have (a certain quality)

òdịdị

A. appearance; likeness; being; form; shape

B. taking one’s part, siding with:

Ọ dì egwù

It is tragic, wonderful, marvellous:

Ọ dì ifelē

It is shameful:

Ọ dì n’ìwu

It is illegal

Ife à i mè ò dì anyaā? This thing you did, how was it?

-dị ànì

be humble, low, of low estate, contemptible

-dịba

begin to live

-dịbu

exist before

Ọ dìbù àdịbu It has been existing

òdìbù àdịbu

something (e.g. habit, custom) that has been existing for a

long time

-dịchili

block

-dịdèbe

be near:

Unò nwoke afù dịdèbèlù ụnò ọgwùThe man’s house is near

the hospital

-dị èbùbè

be esteemed

-dị enū

be out of reach

-dịfù

exist; be well

-dị ichè

be different

-dị ike

be able

-dị imē

be pregnant

-dị kà

seem probable, as if; resemble; look like:

Ọ dì m kà m fùlù ya I imagined that I saw him

Ọ dì kà ò fùlù mụ n’anya He seems to like me

-dị kà àgàsị

be as if

-dịlị

belong to

-dịlịlị

remain; continue

-dị mkpà

be necessary

-dị mmā

be good; please

ịdīmmā

goodness

-dị mmā n’anya

be a pleasant sight

-dị n’aka

be responsible

-dị n’anya

desire; wish

-dị ndù

live; be alive

-dị nkọ

be sharp

-dị n’obì

be dear to one; be in one’s heart

-dị n’òfu

be in agreement, at one:

Bìanù kà ànyị dị n’òfu Come and let us agree together

-dị nsọ

be holy, separate

-dị ǹzuzō

be secret

-dị nwaayò

be meek, calm, quiet, humble:

Ọ dì nwaayò She is gentle

-dịnyelụ

side with

-dị oke ọnū

be dear, expensive

-dị òkìlìkili

be round

-dị òbò

be idle, lazy (= -dà òbò)

-dị òcha

be pure, clean

ịdīọcha

purity; cleanness

-dị ògò

be grateful, polite, modest, well-behaved, courteous, nice-

looking

-dị òkòlòkọlọ

be round in shape

-dịrị

get better; recover from illness

-dị uchu

be industrious, diligent

-dị ùfù

be painful, distressing

-dị ụjō

be cowardly; fear

-dị walala

be narrow

-dịwanye mmā

improve

àrụ ikē nà òdìmmā

(good and) well-being

ọ dì kà

probably; it looks as though, if

òdìnàànì

custom

-dị 2.

aux.v.

(probably originates from -dị 1., in Onitsha used only in the

negative; it marks the progressive or habitual negative verb

forms:

Chikē adī-àbịa (So) Chike is not coming/does not usually

come:

Nkịtā adī àta ọjī Dogs never eat kolanuts

adī àma āma

perhaps; maybe; in case (lit. one never knows)

dịnwọò, dịọò

dem.

this (emphatic):

Amārọ m ife dịnwọò I do not know this thing

-do + 1.

set up; make; place; arrange:

Kà ànyị doo ife à èdoo Let us arrange this thing properly

-do Agbàlà

perform routine sacrifice to the god Agbàlà

-do ajā

build a wall

aja ōdido

wall

-do àjà

place object(s) of sacrifice in a place

-do akanya

make thatch

-do alūsị

erect a shrine

-do ànì

settle a country; establish place

-dogbu

kill or spoil by placing

-dogha

change; change place of; re-arrange; reverse; turn (something)

round

-doghalị

change place

-do iru

face; turn face to incline towards

-do iyī

place an object or objects, as charm or something obnoxious,

on property in the belief that the charm will bring evil on a

person who defies the charm and steals the property; protect

an object by a fetish

-dokwa

A. make peace; settle quarrel

B. arrange; decorate

-dolu ànì

put down

-dolu àrụ ànì

take things quietly

-doni

set up; build up

-do nsọ

consecrate

-dozi

arrange; prepare; settle; repair

-dozi ànì

remove pollution from a community

-dozi okwu

settle a case

-do 2.

ext. suff. 1. against; fast (in, on) (implies continuity; cf. -do

1.)

-gàdo

hold firm (with fingers or claws)

-gbabìdo

hold up; waylay; intercept (lit. run to a halt against)

-kwụdo

stand firm:

Òtu ānyị àkwụdosigo ikē Our club is now on a firm basis

-mado

stick to:

Ò gịnī màdò gì n’àgbà? What is sticking to your jaw?

-nòdo

sit on, against:

Ị nòdò m n’ụkwụ You are sitting on my foot

-tado

grip with teeth:

Arụrû tàdò gì na ntì An ant has got its pincers into your ear

-dò

be clear, settled, shady; settle, become clear (of liquids)

-dò anya

be clear:

Ife à dò m anya This thing is clear to me

-dò àrụ

A. recuperate

B. get stout

-dò èdò

be clear (of liquids)

-dò ǹdò

be shady (of place)

doo

quiet; calm; in an orderly, quiet manner:

Ebe à dì doo It is quiet here

-dọ 1.

draw; pull

òdịdọ

pull(ing)

-dọ aka na ntì

advise; warn

-dọ akpịlī

long after

-dọbè

break off (leaves or stalks of a plant)

-dọbì

break off by pulling

-dọchìgha àzụ

give a setback to; retard

ndọchìgha āzụ

setback:

Ǹke à bù ndọchìgha āzụ This is a setback

-dọdo

hold fast

-dọ dọònịdō,

pull against one another; have a tug-of-war

dọòlịdō

-dọgò

pull crooked or wrongly

-dọgbu

strangle

-dọgha

change position of something

ndọgha

reverse; changing of position (of something by somebody)

-dọka

be torn; tear

ndọka

tearing; rending

-dọka akwụkwọ

dismiss a case (lit. tear paper)

-dọka anụ

tear, rend (flesh)

-dọkalị

tear from and take

-dọkalì

tear in pieces

-dọkasị

tear to pieces; to torn to pieces

-dọkọ

pull together

-dọkpụ

drag; draw; pull along (e.g. goat with rope round its neck)

-dọkpụpù

draw out; pluck out forcibly

-dọlì

tear into pieces

ndọlì

tearing into pieces

-dọlụ

attract; convey

-dọ mbọ

tear with nails

-dọ mmà ọdū

saw a piece of timber by pulling (this is usually done by two

people -one in a pit across which the timber is laid, and the

other at ground-level)

-dọ n’agha

take prisoner in war

òdịdọ n’agha

captivity as result of war

-dọ ndọ

A. persist; haggle; bargain

B. have a tug-of-war

-dọ ǹdùdò

argue; draw out a discussion

òdọ ǹdùdò

argumentative, difficult, disagreeable person; fretful, testy

child

-dọnì

wrinkle; be wrinkled (used for a material which has been

stretched beyond its elastic limit, and then relaxed)

ndọnì

wrinkle

-dọ nkì

cut a face mark

-dọ ntì

warn; admonish; exhort (cf. -dọ aka na ntì)

-dọpù

draw out

-dọpùta

draw out; pull out; rescue

-dọsà

pull apart or into pieces

-dọsò

pull after

-dọtị

be extended; extend

-dọtị ụta

draw a bow (ready to shoot)

ndọtị

elasticity

-dọwa

rend, tear (of cloth, not flesh)

-dọ 2.

stay; place

-dọba

put down, set down

-dọlụ adọlụ

remain; be left over; be stagnant (of water)

-dọlụ kìlìlì

be round, spherical (as a ball)

-dọnò, -dọ n’ànì

sit down

-dọnòrube

sit around

-dọnye

lay in; put into

-dọ ọdù

sit down (in speaking to children):

Nne m#nà-àdọ n’ọdù akwà màkà nà ọ nà-èbu akwà My

mother usually sits at the cloth stall because she deals in

clothes

dọkịtà

doctor (E.)

dọònịdō, dọòlịdō

tug-of-war

dòtị 1.

catapult

-gba dòtị

shoot catapult:

Dòtị kà o jìlì gbagbu nnùnù afù It was a catapult that he

killed the bird with

dòtị 2.

dirt; filth (coll., E. dirty)

-lu dòtị

be dirty, filthy:

Ndù nà-èlu dòtị Ndụ is usually dirty

-du 1.

lead; accompany

òdudu

leading; guidance

-du aka

help

-dubà

introduce; lead in, into

-dufìè

mislead

-dufù

seduce; lead astray

-duga

accompany

-dukọta

muster:

Dùkọta ndi aghā afù màkà nnene Muster the troops for

inspection

-dulu

accompany; seduce

-duna

lead; escort home

du onye ìsì

lead a blind person

-dupù

lead out; accompany; escort; push off a boat

-duruka

lead a little way

-kpa ǹdu

walk together; be companions; escort

-du + 2.

put out (roots, shoots)

-du anakā

put out shoots, suckers

-dudo

take root

-du 3.

ext. suff. 1. first; beforehand; precede (cf. -godu, and perhaps

-du 1.)

-kpọtadu

bring first (something capable of self-movement)

-wètadu

bring first (i.e. bring something before doing something else,

or before doing something else to the thing brought):

Wètadu yā tupu ì tọghee yā Bring it first before you open it

-dù

v.:

-dù-dù

be in a dull state

-gbadùba iru

be morose, sulky, downcast:

Gịnī mèlù nị jì gbadùba irū? Why are you sulky?

-kpọdùlu

remain in dull uncheerful state; be dull and sad:

Amārọ m ife mēlụ Okeēke o jì wèe kpọdùlu n’ụnò jụ nà

nya amā eje akwụkwọ I don’t know what happened to

Okeeke to make him stay dull at home and refuse to go to

school

dum

quant. all; the whole (cf. niīne, which is the common Onitsha

form)

ife dum

all things

mgbè dum$

always; at all times; in perpetuity (cf. mgbè niīne)

duu

still; quiet

-debe ọnū duu

be silent

-delụ duu

stop talking

-gba duu

keep silence; refrain from answering; endure, tolerate

-tọgbò duu

lie still; lie down softly (cf. -gba duu)

dụ

enc. marks interrogative:

Gịnī dụ bù ǹke à? What is this?

Gịnī kwọ bùdù ǹke à? What is this again?

-dụ 1.

prick; pierce; sew

òdụdụ

pricking; piercing; sewing

-dụ aka

poke

-dụgbu

pierce

-dụkọ

sew together

-dụmi ụnò

construct framework of roof before thatching or fixing the

sheets

ndụmì (ụnò)

roof framework before thatching or fixing the sheets

-dụ ọfọlò

punt

-dụ 2.

regurgitate; vomit (cf. -gbọ)

-dụ adụ

retch

-dụ ubìlì

belch

-dụ ukòlò

belch

-dụ + 3.

v.:

-dụ isi

swear one’s innocence by a deity

-dù 1.

advise; give advice

-dù ọdù, ọdụ

advise; give advice

-dù 2.

plant (the stem, cutting of stem or branch, of a plant)

e, a

pron.

(dependent, indefinite; harmonizes) one; ‘they’ (indefinite);

often translated by English passive:

A nà-èsi nnī Food is being cooked:

E jì yà aka He has been arrested

e-, a-

pref.

(harmonizes) verb prefix marking negative:

Ìgbò enwē ezè The Igbo have no kings

e-/a- ...m

pron.

(dependent, 1^st person singular; harmonizes) I:

Anà m èje I am going:

Elìlì m ife I ate food

è-, à-

pref.

(harmonizes; tone high before low tone root) verb prefix

marking sequential mood

Chi èfoo Day breaks:

Chi abòọ Day breaks

-e

see -a/-e/-ọ/o

ebe

place; where; while; since; whereas:

Agà m èje ebe ọ nò I will go where he is

Emēna mkpọtụ ebe m nà-àgụ akwụkwọ Don’t make a noise

while I’m reading

Kà ànyị chèlu yā n’ụzō à ebe ọ bū nà ọ gà-èsi ụzō à gafè

Let us wait for him here, since he will pass by this road

ebe à

this place:

n’ebe à

here

ebe afù

that place:

n’ebe afù

there

ebe a nà-àmụ nnwā

maternity home

ebe a nà-enì ozū

burial ground

ebe a nà-èsi nnī

kitchen

ebe dī (n’)ichè

different, various places

(n’)ichè,

ebe ịtā nni

pasture

ebe mgbabà

refuge

ebe niīne

everywhere

ebe nzuzo

secret place; retired spot

ebe ōbibi

habitation; dwelling place

ebe ọbụnà

any place

ebē

yam beetle

èbeē

int.

where (to)?:

Èbeē kà ị jèkò Where are you going?

Èbeē kà ọ dì? Where is it?:

Èbeē kà ọ nò? Where is she?

èbeē zi?

Where then? where else?

èbelè

mercy; pity

Èbelèchukwu

male name (lit. mercy of God)

-dị èbelè

be kind-hearted

-me èbelè

have pity on; be sorry for; have mercy on:

Mèelụ ānyị èbelè

Have mercy on us

-nwe obī ēbelè

be kind-hearted

obī ēbelè

kindness; mercy

onye ēbelè

the merciful (person)

onye kāsị èbelè

the most merciful:

Chinēkè Onye kāsị èbelè Most merciful God

ebenebe

extraordinary happening; disaster

(ebenebe) -gbu

happen (of disaster, scandal, something serious):

Ebenebê gbùlù It was a disaster

ebī

lungfish; mudfish (Protopterus annectens) (= ekwum)

ebì

porcupine

ebì ntà

Brush-tailed Porcupine (Atherura fricana Gray)

ebì ogwū

Crested Porcupine (Hystrix cristata senegalica Cuv.)

èbìlì

storm on water; wave

-tụ èbìlì

be agitated; swell (as river or sea in gale)

ebo

A. the smallest kinship-cum-residential unit, a subdivision of

ụmù nnà

(patrilineage); sublineage:

Ebo unù bù gịnī? What is your special sublineage?

B. (= ogbè) ‘village’; a constituent part of a ‘quarter’ which is

itself part of a ‘town’ (òbòdò), containing a number of

patrileages (ụmù nnà):

Ònìchà Ebo

the Nine Villages of Onitsha

Ìtènaānị

Ebō

male name (short for Ebōzinam, lit. stop accusing me)

èbù 1.

mildew; mould

-ma èbù

grow mould:

Utàlà e lōfùlù n’ime akpàtì nnī amago èbù The pounded

fufu forgotten in the food-box has gone mouldy

èbù 2.

wasp; hornet

àkpa èbu

wasps’ nest

èbùbè

marvel; wonder; majesty

ife èbùbè

a wonder

-kobe èbùbè

honour (lit. hang honour on)

-me èbùbè

beautify; decorate

èbùbe āgụ

African Bowstring Hemp or Leopard Lily (Sansevieria

liberica Gér. and Labr.), seen in Agwụ shrines and used as a

charm against thieves or a medicine for pregnant women

ebùbo, èbùbò,

accusation; charge (-bo 2. v. accuse)

èbùbo

-bo ebùbo

levy accusation; accuse:

E bòlù yà ebùbo orī He has been accused of stealing:

Èbùbo kà onya mmà A false accusation is worse than a

matchet wound

èbùnù

ram

èbùnu Idemīli

the ram of the Idemìli god (This ram lives mainly in the

Idemìli god’s shrine and its surroundings. But it also roams

about the village from compound to compound. The ram must

not be beaten or killed by anybody, as it is believed that

anyone who does this will automatically be visited and killed

by the god.)

echi 1.

tomorrow

Proverb:

Echī dì imē, ò nwerō onye mā ife ọ gà-àmụTomorrow is

pregnant, no one knows what it will bring forth

echi niīne

tomorrow (emphatic)

echi yā

the next day; the following day:

Ndụ gbàlù akwụkwọ ụbòsì Krisìmaàsì, ò lue echī ya ò sie

nnukwu ōlili Ndù wedded on Christmas Day; the following

day he gave a great feast

nwanne echī

day after tomorrow

ùtụtù echī

tomorrow morning

echi 2.

old type of money in form of bent wires

echìchè

thought

-chè echìchè

think; ponder; meditate

echichi

title; titled man (general; cf. mmụō 2., ọzō)

edè

cocoyam

edē ànà

plant with spotted leaves and corm, the juice of which can be

used to mark the body (Cynastrum cordifolium)

edè ekò

cocoyam cooked like yam (Colocasia esculenta Schott)

edē mmụō

Ground Arum, plants whose leaves resemble the cocoyam

(Stylochiton hypogaens Lepr. and S. lancifolius Kotschy and

Peyr.)

edē ūmakà (also

cocoyam which requires boiling overnight, probably the

edè)

oldest type (Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott.)

mkpà edè

room where cocoyams are stored

edi

African civet (Viverra civetta), Genet (Genetta spp.), Two-

spotted Palm Civet (Nandinia binotata)

òsì edī

genitals of edi, which smells and is used for medicines

edò

tree whose trunk is used for canoes and whose roots and bark

are used as medicine (prob. Terminalia glaucescens Planch.

ex Benth., perh. also T. superba Engl. and Diels, possibly

Distemonanthus benthamianus Baill.)

èdò 1.

yellow vegetable dye; yellow (of colour)

-cha èdo èdò

be yellow

Àfè m nà-àcha èdo èdò My shirt is yellow

-dị èdo èdò

be yellow

ọnā èdò

gold

ọnà ọcha nà ọnā

silver and gold (fig. fine luxuries)

èdò

Èdò 2.

divinity

èe

int.

answer to a call

èe’è [èe?è], e’è

int.

no!

èè e, eee

int.

yes

èèye!

int.

yes! certainly!

èeyī!

int.

yes!

efè

chance; opportunity; leisure:

Enwērọ m efè ịbīa ebe à I didn’t have a chance to come here

àrụ efè

unoccupied; at leisure

-dị efè

be vacant

-fụ efè

find time, chance, opportunity

-nwe efè

have a chance, an opportunity

-nye efè

give chance, opportunity

èfè 1.

(dialectal) = àfè

èfè 2.

used in:

-kwụ èfè

swing to and fro; be neutral

efi

cow

efi alūsị

sacred cow (efi Ìgbò type) owned by village; cannot be killed;

if it dies, it is given burial like a human

efi awụsa

zebu cattle

efi Ìgbò

dwarf cattle

efi ọfīa

bushcow; buffalo (Syncerus caffer bedingtoni Lyd.)

ala efī

cow’s milk

anụ efī

beef

ozu efī

carcase of cattle

èfì

kind of fish

efìfìè

afternoon; middle of the day; heat of the day

efìfìè naàbò

noonday

àzì efìfìè

lunch

-gba (àzì) efìfìè

take lunch

kwà efìfìè, kwà

every midday

èfifìè

mgbè efìfìè

during the afternoon

efù

emptiness; vanity:

Ọ mèlù ya n’efù He did it in vain

efùlefù, èfùleèfù

empty; vain; useless (usu. of a person)

efùrù

African nutmeg (Monodora myristica (Gaertn.) Dunal)

egedege, egenege

front

egedege irū

forehead

egō

money

ego akwụkwọ

currency note; paper money

ego àyòlò, àyò

cowry

ego edwòd

money used during the reign of King Edward

ego e nyèlù ya

capital

ego kịlịkịlị

coins

ego mgbụdamgbụ

type of money made by blacksmiths

ego naàbò

twelve cowries (= èkpète naàbò)

ego naatō

eighteen cowries

ego nwunyè

bride-price

àkpà egō

A. purse

B. a hundred pounds

anya mkpūlụ egō

eye with pupil whitened by disease

-chọ egō

seek for money by hook or by crook

isi egō

A. unit of six cowries (= èkpète)

B. capital

-kpata egō

acquire money

mkpụlụ egō

a cowrie, coin, shilling

oke egō

fantastic riches

-zu egō

steal money

-zụ egō

build up, increase one’s capital

ègùlò, ègùlè

weaverbird

egbe

A. hawk; kite

B. rogue (slang)

egbè

gun

egbē ādakā

type of locally made gun

egbè igwē

thunder

egbē ndù

cannon

-gba egbè

fire gun

ndị jī egbè èje orī

armed robbers

ntụ egbè

gunpowder

ọnụ egbè

opening of a gun barrel

-pị egbè

carve wooden part of gun

-sù egbè

load gun

utù egbè

trigger (lit. penis of the gun)

ègbè

boundary mark:

Onye ropù ègbè ò je ngaAnyone who uproots a boundary

mark will go to prison

ègbenu, ègbene

cock

ègbènù

warriors

ègbènu ōba

warriors

Ndi (òtu) ègbènu ōba society of warriors. They are not

necessarily warriors who go to battle. But their society is a

warrior-like one. Members dress like warriors with helmet-

like hats stuck full of long feathers, with cutlasses in their

hands. They are usually invited to grand traditional

ceremonies, funerals of great men and of course to funerals of

their dead members. They greet each other by knocking the

blades of each other’s swords together

ègbìlì

fish (Heterotis niloticus) (= ìgbènù)

egbò

boundary around compound or village; more especially the

entrance, shaped like goalposts, of bamboo palm leaves or

ògilìsì, which bears protective medicines

egbū

tree (Alstonia congensis Engl.); bark used medicinally for

cure of different kinds of ịbà or akòm

egbugbèlè

used in:

egbugbèlè ọnū

lip(s)

egbugbu

tattoo; mark

-gbu egbugbu

tattoo; mark

ègwe

wall of beaten earth

egwu

A. drum

B. dance; play; entertainment

egwu alūsị

sacred dances

egwu ọtā

ritual drum

egwu ùdù

music in which ùdù features prominently

-gba egwu

dance

ògba ēgwu

dancer

-gwù egwu

play

-gwùli egwu

play about

-gwùsò egwu

play with someone

nnwa egwū

doll

òtù egwū

dancing club

ògụ ēgwu

singer; minstrel

-te egwu

dance in a peculiar way

-gwò egwu

dance very well in type of dance in which back muscles come

into play

egwù

A. fear

B. fearful, terrible or fierce-looking thing; dangerous thing

àbànì dì egwù

bandit

atū egwù

courage; bravery; boldness

-dị egwù

be dangerous, dreadful

-tụ egwù

fear; respect; be afraid of

-yi egwù

frighten

egwugwu

the most elderly and most venerated form of the incarnate

dead, of Igala origin (Igala ègwùgwù, = mmụọ ogonogo)

ègwusi

water-melon seeds (cf. Yoruba ègùsì) (Citrullus vulgaris

Schrad.)

ofe ēgwusi

melon, egusi soup

ejiji

dress; adornment

èjìma

twin

-bụ èjìma

be twins

nwa èjìma

a twin

ụmū èjìma

twins:

Mmadū à naàbò bù èjìma These two persons are twins

èjò

see òjò

ejù

broken pot; potsherd

ejù isī

top of skull

ejùnà, njùnà, njìnà

edible snail (cf. kòso, nsam)

nkekele ejùnà

snail-shell

eke

Royal Python (Python regius), the smaller species of python,

more common, lives in compounds and is freely handled,

sacred in most parts of Igboland

eke mmīli

water python

eke nà ogwùlùgwù

rainbow

eke ukwu, eke

the larger python; African or Rock Python; (Python sebae)

ọgbà

Ekè 1.

A. a divinity

B. ekè good luck, fortune

ekè 2., ekò

gizzard

ekē ōkụkò

fowl gizzard

Èke

a day in the Igbo four-day week, following Ǹkwọ, personified

as an alūsị

Mgbeēke

female name (for child born on Èke)

Nweēke, Òkeēke,

male names (for someone born on Èke)

Èkeèmezie

èkène

thanks; salutation; greeting; gratitude:

Èkène dìlị Chukwu

Thanks be to God

ekike

A. adornment of the body

B. tie; belt; girdle

ekike ilē

string of the tongue

ife ekike

finery; adornment

-ke ekike

dress; adorn

ekò 1.

blacksmith's bellows

-fù ekò

pump bellows

-fù ekò

blow bellows

ekò 2.

see ekè 2.

ekò mmīli

plant with large leaves, used for shelter or to wrap fish

(Anchomanes difformis (Bl.) Engl. and Cyrtosperma

senegalense) (Scott) Engl.)

eku

spoon; ladle (cf. ǹgàjì)

ekpē

inheritance

-kè ekpē

make a will

-lite ekpē

inherit

ekpè

earthwork constructed on the outskirts of a village for defence

purposes, or on farm to mark boundary or check erosion

-ti ekpè

make low mud wall, usually on farm, to mark boundary

and/or check erosion

èkpè 1.

left (hand)

aka èkpè

left hand

ife dī n’aka èkpè

something on the left:

anya aka èkpè

the left eye

èkpè 2.

time

èkpè afù

then; at that time

èkpè niīne

always; (at) all times

èkpe ōbụnà

whenever; (at) any time

èkpele, èkpelu

prayer

-kpe ekpele

say prayer

èkpelu

see èkpele

èkpèǹta, èkpènta

leprosy

onye èkpèǹta

leper

ekpètè

see okpètè

èkpète

(= isi egō) unit of cowrie counting system, consisting of six

single cowries (ego) mkpụlū

èkpète īli

ten units of six cowries each (= òfu ùkwù)

èkpète naàbò

twelve cowries (= ego naàbò)

ekwe 1.

wooden slit gong

-su ekwe

beat the gong

ekwe 2.

xylophone

ekwe 3.

string from aŋā

akpùlù ekwē

unsplit cane

ekwè 1.

small uncarved stool

ekwè 2.

occiput (also òkpù n’ekwè)

ekwēekwe

stubbornness

ekwēème

impossibility

ekwelē

tie-rope; cane; fibre for making fish traps

ekwensu

A. the malevolent spirits of those who have died a 'bad death'

and cannot reincarnate; malevolent non-human spirits;

(Christian usage) the devil

B. (fig.) a person who causes confusion and havoc

ekwò

back of head; nape of neck

òkpùn’okwò

back of head; occiput

ekwòlò

envy; jealousy

-gba ekwòlò

compete (in bad sense); be jealous, envious

-kwò ekwòlò

envy; contest enviously

Ekwu

hearth spirit, the domestic spirit of women, worshipped by

head woman of household

mmà ekwū

small kitchen knife

èkwulèkwu

talkativeness; loquacity:

onye èkwulèkwu

a talkative

-kwu èkwulèkwu

be loquacious, talkative

oke èkwulèkwu

talkativeness; bragging

ekwum

lungfish; mudfish (Protopterus annectens) (= ebī)

elèghelū

see elùuluū

èlèlè, èlìlè 1.

profit; gain

-bà èlèlè

be useful; profit; benefit

-li èlìlè

gain

èlèlè, èlìlè 2.

food prepared with beans (after the chaff is removed, the

beans are ground with water into pulp, then wrapped in leaves

in convenient bits with normal food ingredients added, then

boiled till done)

èlèle īko

èlèlè boiled in tins (e.g. milk tins) instead of being wrapped in

leaves

èlèm

fish-fry; small sprat-like fish caught when Niger rises

elili

rope (general term); string to tie yams; shoe lace (cf. ùdò,

ekwe, àbù) see èlèlè 1. and 2. elili

elili afō

intestines

elili ọfīa

snake (euphemism)

-gbà elili

wear strings round ankles

-kwụ elili

commit suicide by hanging

èlìlì

see èlùlù

elō 1.

mushroom

elo mmụọ

kind of poisonous mushroom (lit. spirits' mushroom) (see also

mmụō)

-pu elō

A. grow fungus

B. (fig.) live for ever

elō 2.

Standard-wing Nightjar (Macrodipteryx longipennis)

elū elu

A. North (borrowed from Central Igbo)

B. (fig.) very far away

èlùlù, èlìlì, olìghìlì

electric catfish (Malapterurus electricus) (= ǹdudù)

elùluū

see elùuluū

elùuluū, elùluū,

black driver ant; soldier ant

elèghelū

ìkeǹgà elùluū

giant ants, with very big heads, seen among smaller ones

emēnjọ

innocence; infallibility (from -me do)

emume

custom; observance

emumechī

daybreak

ene

Harnessed Antelope; bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus scriptus

Pallas)

enekē

swallow (bird)

enekē ntì ọbā

swallow

enū

height; top

enu ànì

dry land (as opposed to water); high land between Asaba and

Agbor

enu igwē

heaven; sky

enu igwē nà ùwà

heaven and earth

enu nà ànì

up-and-down; blouse and wrapper made of same material:

O yì enu nà ànì She is wearing an up-and-down

enu ntụlụ

hardship; misfortune

enu ōghịgha

changes in the world

enu ụnò

roof

enu ùwà

whole world

-buni enū

lift up; bring up; carry shoulder-high

-gba enū

be shallow

-kòni enū

hang up

-mani enū

jump up

n’enū

above; upon

-nò n’enu mmīli

be in trouble, difficulty

-se n’enū

float; (fig.) be ignorant of what is happening

ụgbọ enū

aeroplane

ụkwụ enū

by land; overland

-wèni enū

raise up

-wèni aka enū

raise hand

-wènita enū

lift up; take up

-wùnị enū

jump up

Enugwū

Enugu

ènwè

monkey; useless person

ènwè ọfīa

wild monkey

enyi

elephant

ajì enyī

severe dysmenorrhoea (see ajì)

ọdụ enyī

elephant's tusk

enyì

friend (less common than òyì)

enyì nwaàyì

girl-friend; woman friend

ènyò, ènyìnyò

mirror; glass (= ùgògbè)

ènyò anyā

pair of spectacles

eriri 1.

power of transforming oneself into an animal

eriri 2.

wart

èrùlu

red coral; coral bead

èsè

see àsè

èsèmokwu

quarrel; dispute; bickering (-sè draw, pull)

esō

gum from tree

esu

(cf. alịlị) millipede

esuso, etuto

blister; boil

-so esuso

form boil abscess

esusu

contribution to revolving benefit fund, to which each member

contributes regularly and from which members profit in turn

(? < Yoruba)

ètè

rope for climbing trees

eteke

used in:

eteke uvīe

fish (Hemichromis bimaculatus) (cf. ìkpoòkpò)

ètètè

woven shield used in war by the Ada people

ètitì

middle; centre

ètitì naàbò

the middle, centre

ètitī ūchichì, ètitī

midnight

àbànì

n’ètitì

amidst; in the middle

n’ètitì mụ nà gị

between you and me

etu

manner

etu à

thus; in this manner

etu afù

so; in that manner

etu ọ dì nọòfụ

as it is so

etùketù

used in:

-kpọ etùketù

hiccough

etum

long bamboo used to propel a canoe

ètùm

dust in the air

etuto

see esuso

èvì

snakehead fish (Channa obscura)

ewī

see eyī

ewō!, èwo!

int.

exclamation of surprise

ewòò!

int.

exclamation of sympathy or pity

ewu

goat; (applied to person) fool

anụ ewū

goat-meat

Ewu kà ọ bù

He is a fool

ewu-elī-òkụkò-atù

(lit. goat-never-touches, fowl-never-pecks) a poisonous plant

nwa ewū

young goat; kid

ewù

fame; report; rumour

ewùù!

int.

exclamation of regret, sympathy

eyī, ewī

Giant or Pouched Rat (Cricetomys gambianus Waterhouse;

Yoruba òkètè)

ezē

tooth

eze nkwō

loss of tooth, teeth

aka ezē

toothache

-gado ezē

grip (but not bite into) with teeth

ìkili ezē

part of jaw near molar

-kpopù ezē

extract a tooth

-kwo ezē

take out, extract teeth; lose tooth, teeth

-tachapù ezē

grin; (coll.) smile; laugh

-ta ìkekele ezē

grind teeth

-wa ezē

file teeth

ezè

A. king; chief:

Ìgbò enwē ezè The Igbo have no kings

ezè alūsị

priest (of a particular spirit that has a shrine and an organized

cult)

ezè amōosu

chief of wizards

ezē ànì

life-size image of carved wood

ezē kachasị akasị

God in heaven

ezē mmụō

king of underworld

ezè nwaàyì

queen

àda èzè

princess

ànì ezè

kingdom

-chi ezè

become, be installed chief or king

Ndùbeezè,

male name (lit. life is king or life is most important)

Ndùbezè

oche ezè

throne

òkpu ezè

crown

-zọ ezè

contest for chieftancy title

B. (fig.) the best or chief of its kind

ezè anụmànù

king of the beasts, the elephant

ezè azù

king of the fish (Gymnarchus niloticus)

ezè nnùnù

king of the birds, the eagle

ezi

goodness; truth; kindness

n’eziē

(shortened from n’ezi okwū) truly:

N'eziē onye orī kà ọ bùTruly he is a rogue

ezi ndù

health

ezi okènyè

aged person

ezi okwū

truth

-kwu ezi okwū

speak the truth

ezi òmùme

good deeds; righteousness

ezi ūdo

perfect peace

n’ezi okwū

really; in reality; indeed; truly

ezì

pig; domestic pig; dirty person

ezì ọfīa

bushpig; Red River Hog (Choeropotamus porcus porcus L.)

anụ ezì

pork

ọkwùlù ezì

pawpaw; papaya

èzi 1., ezi

outside or precincts of a house

ezi amā

space in front of the compound outside the compound wall

and beginning from the main gate; street

èzi ìbà

court of a native house

èzi īlo

precincts of a house

èzi nà ụnò

household headed by one man

-nwe èzi nà ụnò

become a householder

-bọ èzi

clear a path, road, of weeds

mbala ēzi

compound inside walls (contrast ìlo)

ọkpụ ezi ụzò

middle of path or road; main road; permanent path

ụzò ezi amā

main entrance to a compound

èzi 2.

menses

èzi 3.

loan

ezigbō

good; true; kind:

Ọ bù ezigbō mmādùHe is a good person

pron.

(independent; 3rd pers. pl.) they; them; their

fa nà isi fā

they themselves

fa ncha, fa niīne

all of them

fa nwà

they, them (emphatic)

ǹkè fa

their; theirs

-fa

stuff; crowed; squeeze (cf. -fà)

-fabà (or -fàbà)

squeeze into

-fabàsị (or -fàbàsị)

stuff, squeeze into (e.g. crowded room)

-faghalị

stuff from one position to another

-fanye

stuff in between (two objects)

-fata

squeeze

-fà

stuff; crowd; squeeze (cf. -fa)

-fàdo

stuff, crowd, squeeze in

-fànye aka n’ụkwụ

fold hands; clasp hands between knees; sit with one's hands in

one's lap; sit idle

-fàpù (or -fapù)

ease, by removing some part

-fàpùsị (or -fapùsị)

remove with difficulty from a crowded place; squeeze out

Fada

Roman Catholic priest, father (E. Father)

ndị Fada

Catholic fathers; Catholics

Ukà Fada

Roman Catholic Church

-fe 1.

A. fly;

òfufe

flight (of birds, flies, aeroplanes)

-febà

fly in

-febàta

fly over into

-fedà

fly down

-fedàta

fly down (towards)

-fefè

fly across

mfefè

flying across

-fefèga

fly across

-fefù

fly away out of sight

-fega

fly over to

-fego

fly upwards

-feghalị

fly about

-fekwu

fly to

-fenaba

fly home

-feni

fly up

mfeni

flying up; flight

-feniri

fly up; spring up quickly

-fenye

fly into

-fepù

fly off; (fig.) hurry off

-fesà

fly in all directions

-fe ùfe

fly

mfe

lightness; ease

ùfe

flight

anụ ūfe

flying creature; bird; bat

ụgbọ nā-efe ēfe

aeroplane

B. blow (of wind); fan; flutter; wave; flap

Ufèlè nà-èfe ēfe The wind is blowing:

Ibe akwà nà-èfe n’ìkùkù The cloth is fluttering in the breeze

-fe aka

wave hand

O fèèlù m aka He waved to me

-fe azịlịza

fan (oneself or another)

-fecha

flap (wing, to dry it)

-fe ọkụ

fan fire

-fepù

blow away (of wind

-fe ụkwụ

dangle leg(s)

akwā ùfùfè

sail

-fe 2.

sprinkle; cast; throw (esp. many objects)

òfufe

sprinkling; casting; throwing

-fedà

throw down

-fe mmilī

A. drive away rain

B. sprinkle water

-fe mkpụlū

scatter seeds

-fe ǹzà

cast lots:

E fèlù ǹzà, ǹz.a wèe ma Òkèchukwu They cast lots; the lot

fell on Okechukwu

-fesà

sprinkle all over; splash

-fesàsị

sprinkle completely

-fe + 3.

v.:

-fe ọlụ

superintend work (shortened from -nefe look over)

-fè 1.

worship; serve

òfùfè

service; worship; adoration

òfùfè nrù

church service; religious worship

-fè alūsị

serve a divinity

-fè ànì

prepare land for planting by propitiating the spirits concerned

-fèga ọfịa

prepare forest for planting by propitiating the spirits

concerned

-fè ǹrù

pay homage, esp. present gifts in traditional style to ọkpala

-fè + 2.

cross over; pass:

O fèlù mmilī He crossed the river:

O fèlù m n’ụzò He passed me on the way

òfùfè

crossing; passing

O fègo He has passed

Ogè efègo The time has long passed

-fè èfè

be contagious or infectious

-fè ofè

be excessive (less common than -ri nnē)

-fè ogwè

cross a bridge

-fè okè

surpass; pass the bounds

-fètabà

cross over (someone else's area):

Ifētàbà okè adīrọ mmā Exceeding the limit is not good

-fètaba

begin to cross over

-fe-nì

dry up, wither, become emaciated (of plants or people)

-fi 1.

wipe by pressing

-fi aka n’anya

be wary; be careful

-ficha

wipe (smaller amount than -kwọcha)

-fichapù

wipe off:

Fichàpù ètùm dī n’àrụ akwà afù brush off the dust on that

cloth

-fichasị

wipe thoroughly

-filì

press, rub hard so as to break into pieces; crush with hand or

foot

-fi + 2.

support

-fi akwùkwà

make a cooking-pot stand

-fido

support

-fili

support

-fili isi

rest the head

ofili isī

pillow

-fie 1.

bind; tie; gird

òfifie

binding

-fie agbụ

bind; cord

-fiedo

make fast with a cloth or belt:

O fìèdò ǹnwa n’ukwù she tied a child on her back

-fiedosi ike

tighten

-fiegbu (-figbu)

strangle

-fiekọ

tie together

-fierube

gird, tie around

ife mfiedo

girdle; belt

-fie 2.

demand

-fieta ngò

receive back bride-price from wife's relations

-fie ụgwō

demand payment of a debt

-fìè

miss (most often used as 2^nd element in compound verb)

Ife afīa nne āyị gòtàlù fìèlù m The goodies which mother

bought missed me

-fị 1.

dry up; wither

-fị afị

be withered, shrivelled

-fịkọ

dry together

-fịkọ

dry together

-fịkpọ, -fịkpa

dry up; wither and break

-fịnwụ

wither; shrivel up

-fị + 2.

twist; wring; braid

òfịfị

twisting

-fịcha

wring

-fịghalị

twist

-fị ùdò

braid rope

-fì

ext. suff.1.

in a twisted state; entangled (cf. -fị 2. twist)

-tụfì

be entangled (also -tụsì)

-fịa 1.

be difficult

mfịa ārụ

adversity; distress; hardship; want; poverty

-fịa 2.

ext. suff.1.

off

-chìfìà

rub, scrub, off

-kọfịa

scratch, pick off

-fịọ, -shọ

make a noise (by large number of people); make tumultuous

noise1

-fịọ ùzù

make quarrelsome noise; quarrel noisily; make tumultuous

noise = -tụ ùzù

fịòfịò, shọòshọò

pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan (Linn.) Millsp.)

-fo 1.

A. break (of day)

òfifo, òfufo

breaking (of day):

Chi èfogo Day has dawned

-fo chi

last till dawn; last till the following morning

òfufo chī

dawn

-fosà

become fully light (of day):

Chi ēfosàgo Daylight has come fully

-fosàsị

be bright (of daylight):

Chi ēfosàsịgo The daylight is bright and strong

chi ōfifo, ōfufo

period of daybreak as light grows stronger

B. be open, clear

-focha

clear (a space)

-fochapù

clear away

-fo iru

be open, clear, spacious

àrụ ōfufo

freedom from care; security; case

-fo 2.

mention

òfufo

mentioning

-fo afà

mention; mention name

-fota afà

make mention; mention

-fọ 1.

remain; be left over (cf. -gbọ 3.):

Ò fò mmadù òne? How many people are left?

-fọdụ

be left; remain over

-fọdụga

remain in different places

-fọ sò ọkpụkpụ

be very emaciated

-fọ- 2.

put (in or out); take out from; put, squeeze, insert into (bag,

pocket, etc.)

-fọnye

put, squeeze into pocket, bag, etc.:

Ọ nà-àfọnye jī n’ime àkpà He is putting yams into the bag

-fọpùta

take out from pocket, bag, etc.:

Ọ mànyèlù aka n’àkpà fọpùta ọjị naàbò He dipped his hand

into his pocket and brought out two kolanuts

-fù

lose; get lost:

Akwụkwọ m#efùgo My book is lost

òfùfù, mfù

loss

-fù èfù

lose; go astray; be lost

-fùghalịba

wander about

-fumìna

be lost in such a way that the probability of being recovered is

very low

Ego afù èfumìnago The money has been totally lost

-fùnarị

wander from; be lost from:

Akwụkwọ m#efùnarịgo m#I have lost my book (lit. My book

is lost from me)

-fùru

be lost

-fù ụzò

lose one's way:

Efùlù m ụzò I lost my way

-fu-fè

shake

-fufè isi

shake the head

fụ, fù

enc.

(has tone opposite to that of the preceding syllable) just; just

now; right; very:

Èbeē kà i bīfù? Where do you live now?

fụ ǹdụù, fụ kịtaà

just now, immediately:

Bikō, achòlù m kà ị bịa fù ǹdụù Please, I want you to come

just now

-fụ 1.

see; find (no vowel suffix)

òfụfụ

seeing

-fụcha(sị)

see all; see clearly

-fụchata

be curious, inquisitive

mfụchata

curiosity; inquisitiveness

-fụdà

see to the end

-fụ ìnyègè

see faintly

-fụjọ

be evil-disposed to; dislike

-fụkọ

see together

-fụlụ

discover a fault

-fụlụlụ

spy on

-fụmì

see to the bottom (lit. and fig.)

-fụ n’anya

love; like:

Fâ fùlù ònwe fā n’anya They love each other.:

Afùlù m gì n’anya I love you

ịfūnàanya

love; fondness:

Ọ bụlụ nà ịfūnàanya adīrọ n’ètitì ụnù, ụnù amā aga n’iru

If love does not exist among you, you cannot progress

-fụnarị

see more (than another person)

-fụ ọfù

see vision

-fụta

find

-fụtè

see afar off

-fụ ụzò

see clearly; be transparent

-fụwa

see clearly

-fụzù

see all

òfụfụ anya ụzò

sight

-fụ 2.

hurt (intr.)

-fụ afụfụ

suffer (cf. -ta afụfụ)

-fụju anya

A. toil, suffer greatly

B. be horrified, as by an abomination:

Ndị mmadù àfụjugo anya n’ife nā-eme kịtāà People are

horrified by what is happening now

-fụsì anya

suffer greatly; see too many tribulations

-fụ ùfụ

hurt:

Ukwụ nà-àfụ m#ụfụMy leg is hurting me

-fụ 3.

peel

-fụ ji

peel yam (usu. cooked)

fù

see fụ

-fù 1.

blow; puff; swell

-fùcha

winnow thoroughly

-fù ekò

blow bellows

-fùkpọ

blow until (it) bursts

-fùnye ume

inflate

-fùnyụ

blow out a light

-fùnwu

light fire; kindle by blowing; raise light

-fùnwu ọkụ

light a fire by blowing

-fù ọkụ

blow fire

-fùwa

puff, burst (as bag)

-fụ-kò

crumple; rumple

enc.

optional plural marker:

Ife ndị à gà sì bùchà ǹkè mAll these things are mine:

Ndị à bùgàsì ǹkè m lìThese things are all really mine, you

know

-ga 1.

A. go; pass; move

ògịga

a pass; passing

-ga àzụ

be retrogressive, not making good progress

-gaba

go on; continue to go; henceforth; thenceforth:

Mèlu gàba etu mbụ Continue as hitherto!

-gabìdo

go in front and intercept

-gabìga (cf. -

go in front of; overtake

gafèga)

ngabìga

passing over; Passover

-gabulu n’iru

go before, carrying something

-gadobe, -gadebe

stop moving

-gadòbe, -gadèbe

move nearer

-gafè

cross; pass (away, over, through)

-gafèga

go in front of; overtake

-gafè okè

be in excess:

Ife gafèlù okè dì njọ Enough is as good as a feast

-gafèta

come over

-gaghalị

wander; stroll

-gakọ

pass towards

-ga(lụ) aga

be past; ago

arō gālụ aga

last year:

Ọ mùlù èjìma n'arō gālụ aga She gave birth to twins last

year

ife gālụ aga

past event; past thing

ọnwa gālụ aga

last month:

Ọ bìàlù ebe à n’ọnwa gālụ aga He came here last month

ụkā gālụ aga

last week

-gamì

go in; pass deeply; travel inland

-ga n’iru

go forward; go in front; progress

ịgāniiru

progress

ògàniiru

progress

-ga òfụma

prosper; succeed; go well

-garube

surround; go round

-garụka

go a short distance; go aside (esp. for discussion)

-gata

pass here (towards speaker):

Nye m efè kà m gata Let me pass!

-gatè aka

go far away

-gawa

pass, go, straight on

-gawaga

pass, go, straight on

-gawalụ

go away

-gazù

go through

B. be beyond; be farther off

-gabìga

come round to intercept someone

-kpụmìga

move farther off:

Bikō kpụmìga! Please move farther off!

-ga 2.

thread (so as to hold together:

Bikō mèghe ụzò kà nne ānyị wèlu fụ ụzò ga ife onu#ya

Please open the door so as to allow our mother to see well to

thread her necklace

-gado

hold together

-gado aka

hold someone responsible:

Ọ gàdò m aka He held me responsible

-gado ezē

grip (but not bite into) with teeth

-gakọ

thread, string (together)

-ga 3.

aux. v.

(probably originates from -ga 1.) marks the future verb forms:

Chikē gà-àbịa Chike will come (future affirmative):

Chikē agā-abịa Chike will not come (future negative):

Chikē gà na-ègo jī Chikē will be (habitually) buying yams

(future progressive affirmative):

Ụzò kpùchìsìlì ụnò ya, mmilī agā naabā yā Ụzọ roofed his

house so that rain might not come in (future progressive

negative):

Chikē gà-ègogo jī Chike will/must have bought yams (future

perfect, affirmative):

Chikē gà na-ègogo jī Chike will/must have been (habitually)

buying yams (future progressive perfect affirmative)

-gà +

scratch

-gàdo

hold with nails, claws, or teeth

-gà mbọ

scratch with nails

-ga-cha

take off

-gachata

snatch off

-gà-la 1.

be proud

-gàla ngàla

be proud

-gà-la +

2.:

-gàla ọnū

be dear:

Nni gàlàlù ọnụ n’ebe à Food is dear here

ǹgàla ōnụ

dearness

gànàgànà

staggering walk

-sọ gànàgànà

stagger

gàrị

dried and grated cassava; gari

GB.

-gba 1.

move:

A. independent movement (i) run

-gba àghalā

riot; be disorderly; be rascally

-gbabà

run into, in; (fig.) trust in; confide:

Gbabàanù ime ụnò Run (you pl.) into the house

ebe mgbabà

refuge

-gbabàta

run in, into towards the speaker:

Ụmù akā, gbabàtanù ime ụnò! Children, run into the house

-gbabè

stop running; run out of breath (cf.

Mmilī gà-àgbabè n’elekele īsiì The water will stop running

at 6 o'clock

-gbabido

enclose; cut off; ambush; waylay

-gbadà

run down; descend

mgbadà

slope; descent

-gbadebe

stop running

-gba egwu

dance

ògba ēgwu

dancer

-gba ekwòlò

compete (in envy); be jealous, envious

-gbafo

disperse; scatter; clear (of people, e.g. from market, or of

clouds)

Nwèe ǹdìdì, chi gàfụ āgbafo Be patient, the weather will

soon clear up.:

Afịa āgbafogo The market has cleared

-gbafù

escape; run away; miss

-gbafù obì, -gbafù

take the breath away; startle; shock; make shudder

ume

-gbago

ascend; run up

mgbago

ascent

-gbagota

ascend (towards the speaker)

-gbaghà

overtake

-gbaghàga

run past

-gbaghalị

run about

-gbaghàlụ

pardon; forgive; leave; let alone

mgbaghàlụ,

forgiveness

mgbayàlụ

-gbaje

run to

-gbajebe

run somewhere

-gbakìli ànì

run hither and thither without anything being done; make fuss;

dilly-dally

-gbakọ

run together

mgbakọ

gathering; meeting

-gbakòba

meet together; come, run, together:

Gbakòbanù n'òfu ebē Come (you pl.) together in one place

-gbakòba ọnū

meet together; assemble, run together

-gbakute

run to (someone):

Gbàkute nnā ānyị Run to our father

-gbakù(rị)ta

neglect; turn back on:

Ọ gbākùrìtàlù m àzụ ọgè m nò na nsògbu He turned his

back on me when I was in trouble

-gbakùta àzụ

turn back; desert; neglect

-gbakpù

obscure; move across and cover (as clouds the sun)

-gbalụ ọsọ

dodge; avoid:

Mba nà-àgbalụ m ọsọ Mba is running away from me, or Mba

is dodging me, or Mba tries to avoid me

-gba mbìbì

borrow; go about borrowing

-gba mbò

strive; attempt; try hard, persist; be enterprising, industrious

-gbana

run home

-gbana n'òsu

seek refuge with a deity

-gbanarị

outrun; run away from; forsake; abandon:

Nkịtā m àgbanarịgo m My dog has run away from me:

Agà m àgbanarị gī n’ọsọ I can outrun you

-gbanata

run home (from another place towards the speaker)

-gba ǹje

run to and fro; be going to and from a place (including the

world of spirits)

ògbanje

see main entry ògbanje

-gba nrịra

run from husband to another man

-gbanù

be in a hurry; hurry

mgbanù

hurry; haste

-me mgbanù

be in a hurry:

Ọ nà-ème mgbanù She is in a hurry

-gba òdìbò

work as servant; serve; wait on (on a master-servant basis)

-gba ọsọ

run; run away; abscond; run race

-gbapù

run away, out

-gbapùta

run out, away

gbaràpù

forsake; abandon

-gbasò

run to, after

-gba ùzọ

go out very early in the morning

-gbawa

run away; abscond:

Ọ chòlù ịgbāwa He wants to run away, abscond

mgbawa

running home, away

-gbawalụ

run away; abscond:

Gwa yā kà ọ gbawalụ Tell him to run away:

Nwa òdìbò m rāpùlù m gbawalụ ọgè ànyị nò n'Òbòdò

Oyìbo My servant left me and ran when we were in the

United Kingdom (ii) move in vehicle; ride

-gba igwè

ride bicycle

-gba ụgbọ

go in a vehicle

B. move (as liquid) (1) flow, run (liquid as subject)

-gbacha

leave off raining

-gbadebe

stop running:

Mmilī nà-àgbadebe n’elekele ìtènaānị Water stops running

at 9 o'clock

-gbanye

flow, pour into

-gbapù(ta)

exude; pour out (of liquids)

-me mgbafù

be poured away, off, to waste:

Ọgwù m nàtàlù n'ùtụtù mèlù mgbafù The drug I received in

the morning was spilt

(mmilī) -gba

flow (of water)

(mmilī) -gbafùsị

flow to waste (of water):

Èri ǹnyàafù pọmpù dī n’iru ụnō ānyị jìlì mebì kà mmilī ya

jì àgbafùsị n'òkpọrọ Since yesterday, when the tap in front

of our house broke down, the water from it has been running

to waste (ii) pour, run, exude (liquid as object); shed (tears);

bleed, perspire, etc.

-gba ajịlịja

perspire

-gba anya mmīli

shed tears:

Ife nā-ēme n'ogè kịtāà nà-àgba ìmèliìmè mmādù anya

mmīli What is happening at the present time is making many

people shed tears

-gba asọ

spit

-gbafù

pour away, off; pour to waste:

Gbafùe mmili dī n’ime ìtè Pour off the water in the pot

-gba mmeē (cf. -

bleed

gba òbàlà)

-gba mmilī

A. pour water on (fainting or shocked persons as treatment)

B. bring out water, sap, etc. (as tree):

Achòlù m kà ị gbaa òdòdo mmilī I want you to water the

flowers:

A gà-àgba onye dālụ enu#mmilī Water should be poured on

the person who has fallen from a height:

Anà m èje ọsọ ōsọ ikute mmili a gà-àgba onye dālụ enu#I

am hurrying to bring water to be poured on a person who has

fallen from a height

-gba mmili alā

contain breast milk; have flow (of breast milk from the breast)

-gbanye

pour (liquid) into a container

-gba òbàlà (cf. -gba

bleed; shed blood:

mmeē)

Ọ bụlụ nà i zèrò ndị òtu āyaka mà dabànye n'aka fā, fa

tisịa ī fà àgbaa yī òbàlà tupu fà àrapū yī If you do not

dodge the gang of thugs but fall into their grip, they will beat

and make you bleed before they leave you

-gbapù

pour out:

Gbapù mmili dī n’ime ìtè Pour out the water in the pot

-gbasa

splash

-gbasị

gush out (e.g. blood from wound)

-gbawụsa

pour upon; sprinkle; splash

ife ōgbụgba

post-partum haemorrhage; menorrhagia (excessive loss at

menstrual period)

C. project (i) spit; inject

-gba asọ

spit

-gba nnu

spit salt on (e.g. wound)

-gba ọgwù

inject (drug with syringe):

Anà m èje ụnò ọgwù ịgbā ọgwù I am going to the hospital to

have an injection

-gbawụsa asọ

spit upon (ii) sting; irritate the throat (sometimes painfully, as

after eating fresh or improperly cooked cocoyam)

-gbakà àrụ

torment; afflict (iii) shoot; fire

-gba egbè

fire gun

-gbafìè

shoot and miss

-gbagbu

kill by shooting

-gbami

shoot far

-gbasu

startle by firing a gun:

Di ntā afù àgbasugo ụmù nnùnụ bēkwàsìlì n’enu osisi afū

dī n’ètiti ubì The hunter has dispersed the birds on that tree

standing in the middle of the farm

-gbatò

shoot badly (victim would be mutilated)

-gbatù

shoot down; kick down

-gba ụta

shoot arrow with bow

ògbaā tumtum

see separate entry

ògba nta

hunter (iv) snap (with sharp sound); spring up (as corn) with a

popping sound, as when roasting

-gba aka

snap fingers to show interest (v) kick

-gba ụkwụ

kick (with foot (vi) abort

-gba imē

abort; commit abortion

-gbakwopù imē

cause abortion; abort

D. spread; scatter

-gba afa

divine; practise divination

-gba ghalịị

confuse:

Okwu afù gbàlù m ghalịị I didn't understand that word

-gbagwa

mix; dilute; run together (of liquids and solids)

-gbagwòju anya

be abashed; be confused by

-gbalù iru

look gloomy

-gbarà

leave and forget

-gbasà

scatter; spread

mgbasà

dismissal; scattering; spreading; dispersal

abụ mgbasà

dismissal song

-gbasà akwà

spread cloth

-gbasà iru

look cheerful (lit. 'spread face')

-gbasà Ozi Ọma

spread the Gospel

-gbasàpù

stretch out; spread out (as a bird its wings)

-gbasàsị

be scattered about

-gbasị

rub off grains from cob

-gbasị ògbàdụ

rub off grains from maize cob

-gbatị

stretch; unroll

-gbatị àrụ

stretch oneself (e.g. for exercise)

-gbatị ònwe

stretch oneself (e.g. for exercise)

-gbatịpù

stretch out

E. wrestle; fight

-gba mgba

struggle; wrestle

ògba mgba

wrestler

-gba ògù

side with; defend; fight for

-gba 2.

A. shine (of moon only); burn

-gba ọkụ

burn: (1) trans.

ị gà-àgba ụnò ọkụ ọ bụlụ nà ị kpāchàpùrò anya You will

burn (set fire to) the house if you are not careful (2) intrans.

Ụnò nà-àgba ọkū The house is burning (on fire)

B. (combined with another verb) make bright; do thoroughly:

Achò m kà i figbaa akpụkpọ ụkwū afù èfigbaa I want you

to give those shoes a thorough polishing

-lụgba

do thoroughly:

Ọ sì nà nya gà-àlụgba ọlū afù àlụgba She said that she was

going to do the work thoroughly

-gba- 3.

crack; split; snap; break

-gbabè

snap asunder; cut; (fig.) die suddenly or unexpectedly:

Elili àgbabègo The rope has snapped:

Òfu nwa ikolobìà gbabèèlù ebe à ǹnyàafù A young man

died here suddenly yesterday

-gbabo

break; break off part of wall, ground or anything of that

consistency, such as anthill, mud seat, etc.:

Wèlụ nwayòò màkà ị gbābo ajā Be careful lest you break

off the wall

-gbabo ànì

kick up the ground:

Òkwute ị dèbèlù n’ebe afù gà-àgbabo ànì ụnò The stone

you placed in that place is going to break the floor

-gbaji

break; snap (stick, bone, etc.)

-gbajipù

break off

-gbatọ

break; cut; tear

-gbawa

crack; split

mgbawa

crack; cracking

obì mgbawa

great anger; broken heart

ùbụlù mgbaka

brain fatigue

-gba 4.

bend

-gbagò

bend; make crooked

mgbagò

crookedness; sinuousness; bending

-me mgbagò

be bent, crooked, curved:

Osisi ǹke à mèlù mgbagò This stick is bent

-gbagò àgbagò

be bent

-gba ngìlìgò

be circuitous; have many bends

-gba ngò

A. be bent, crooked, curved:

Mkpịsī ǹke à gbàlù ngò n’ọnū This spike is bent towards the

tip:

ǹke à bù ụzō gbālụ ngò This is a crooked path

-gba ngò

B. be crooked, wrong, false:

Ụzō gbālụ ngò kà i sì àbịa okwu nwā m The way you are

approaching me for my daughter (whom you want me to give

you in marriage) is wrong. (Lit. The way through which you

come for my daughter is crooked):

Òmùme afù gbàlù ngò That deed is wrong

-gbàzì

make straight; correct; advise; instruct

-gba 5.

speak (in certain special ways)

-gba aka ebē

bear witness; stand surety

-gba àmà

act as informer; bear witness (in bad sense); reveal secrets;

betray

-gbabu okwu

speak all together:

Wèlụ nwayòò na-èkwu, rapù ịgbābu okwu Speak a bit more

slowly and stop jumbling your words

-gbagha

contradict; argue

onye mgbagha

argumentative person

-gba ìzù

take counsel together; whisper

-gbakpò ìzù

plot secretly against someone

-gbakpọ ìzù

consult well about a matter

-gba òsiālị

bear witness

-gba 6.

tie; twine round; make basketwork frame

ògbambùlù

anything round

-gba 7.

remain in a state

-gbachi ǹkịtì

keep silence; refrain from answering; endure;

-gba duu

keep silence; refrain from answering; endure; tolerate

-gba enu#

be shallow:

Mmilī afù gbàlù enu#The stream is shallow

-gba ghòlòghòlò

be watery

-gba ǹkịtì

keep silence; refrain from answering (cf. -gba duu)

-gba mfe

relieve; lesson; be light

-gba nke

lie in wait

-gba nlò

be soft; be watery (esp. of food)

-gba òtọ

be naked

mgbalụ ōtọ

state of nakedness, nudity

-gba 8. +

cut

-gba akpụkpọ

flay

-gba amù

castrate

-gbacha isi

trim the hair (of head)

-gba mbọ

pare nails (cf. -be mbọ)

-gba 9.

take meal

-gba àzì

take food, eat (esp. in early morning)

-gba (àzì) anyàsì

take supper

-gba (àzì) efìfìè

take lunch

-gba àzị ūtụtù, -

take breakfast

gba ūtụtù

-gbacha afele

clean the plate (of food)

-gbapù àzị ūtụtù

take breakfast (usu. a light one and taken in a hurry); just

breakfast

-gba 10.

sprout; spring out, up; grow out

-gba àfù ọnū

grow beard, moustache

-gba akụ

grow pubic hair

-gba mkpòlògwù

take root

-gbado

take root

mkpòlògwù(gwù)

-gbakasị

make spots or scars on

ògbakasị

any disease that has spots that leave scars (chickenpox,

smallpox, etc.)

-gbamì

send roots deep

mkpòlògwù(gwù)

-gbanye

be rooted in; be connected with a place by birth

mkpòlògwù(gwù)

-gba ome

send out shoot when yet unplanted

-gbapute

break ground (of shoot)

-gba 11. +

be without

-gba aka

be empty-handed; go without

-gba aka nnwā

be childless:

Òkụkō ji ofû gbà aka nnwā A hen with one chicken is

childless

-gba aka ọlū

be unemployed

-gba aka ōkpọrọ

be empty-handed

-gba 12.

buy, pawn (person); buy (land, tree, e.g. palm tree, etc.)

-gba afịa

trade

-gbalụ

recover pawn or pledge

-gba mmadù

buy, pawn person:

Mmadù adā àgbazị ibè ya n'ogè kịtāà People no longer buy

each other nowadays

-gba ngò

reckon up bride price

-gbapù

redeem; ransom

-gbapù n'orù

redeem from slavery, servitude

-gbapùta

redeem; ransom

mgbapùta

ransom; redemption

-gba 13.

change; spoil; pollute

-gbadùba

make dull; becloud

-gbadùba iru

frown; scowl; make sour face; grimace

-gbaka

go sour; stale (of soup, palm wine, etc.); be spoilt (of person);

be grieved, sullen

-gbalù

foul; defile; be defiled, polluted (as when water containing

sediment, standing in a jar, is stirred, or when the water of the

stream is polluted by the activities of fish)

mgbalù

pollution (of liquids)

obì mgbalù

melancholy; trouble in one's mind

-gbalù àgbalù

change for worse; be polluted, fouled, defiled

-gbalù iru

sulk; scowl; lower (of sky)

-gbalù mmilī

defile, pollute water

-gbalụ ọgwù

neutralize effect of poison

-gba nchāla

rust; corrode

-gbanwè

change; exchange:

Gbanwèelụ m ji ǹkaà Change this yam for me

mgbanwè

change; changing

-me mgbanwè

be changed:

Iru igwē nà-ème mgbanwè The face of the sky is changing

-gbatò

foul by treading on or stirring (e.g. with finger on pears or rod

in àkàmù); rub bloom off (fruits)

-gba ụka

be sour

-gba ụtụ

be affected with boring grub (of wood)

-gba- 14.

be fixed; fix

-gbado

fix; stick (as an arrow); hold tightly; choke; take by the throat;

compress by pressing fingers firmly on:

Ọgè Èke nà Ọnyìdo nà-anū ògù n'ùtụtū ǹnyàafù Ọnyìdo

butùe Èke n'ànì gbado yā aka n'àkpịlī When Èke and

Ọnyìdo were fighting yesterday, Ọnyìdo threw Eke to the

ground and squeezed his throat with his fingers

-gbado anya

fix the eye on; persevere; be diligent; e.g. (greeting):

Gbàdo anyā Take care of yourself

-gbakòta

hold all together

-gba 15.

stop up; close; enclose; obstruct by moving; open

-gbabìdo

enclose (esp. with fence); encircle; ambush; waylay

-gbachi

foil; counteract; supplant; stop up (e.g. road or gap); lock

door; shut box or window; fence:

Gbàchie ụzò Lock the door:

Ọ nà-àbụ ebe ōbụnà mụ èjènà ịchō ọlụ, Agū èjee gbachie

nà ya Wherever I go in search of a job, Agụ goes there to mar

my success:

Achòlù m mà ị gbachie āzụ ụnō ānyị I want you to erect a

fence to screen our back yard

-gbachi ùgòdì

turn the key

-gbachibìdo

waylay; ambush; fence round; stop up

-gbaghe

open box or window; unlock door; untie (parcel):

Bikō gbàgheelụ m ụzò Please unlock the door for me

-gbaghepù

throw open (door, window, box, etc.); untie and expose

(parcel)

-gba ògìgè

fence compound or farm:

Agà m àgba ugbo m ògìgè I shall fence my farm

-gba 16.

lean

-gbabe

lean; be leaning against:

Òfu ọbē gbàbè n'ajā A ladder is leaning against the wall

-gbabebe

(causative of)

-gbabe

lean something against somewhere:

Bikō gbàbebe ọbē n’enu ajā Please lean the ladder against

the wall

-gba- 17.

turn

-gbaghalị

stir; turn round

-gbaghalị egō

(exchange money)

-gbaghalị nni

stir food

-gbakùta āzụ

turn the back on

-gba ntì

probe the ear

-gba 18.

cultivate (cassava and other plants propagated by cuttings)

-gba n’ugbō

cultivate adjoining farms; be farm neighbours

-gba 19. +

v.:

-gba enu#

be well-known

-gbà 1.

A. lie across

-gbàchi

block by lying across

-gbàdo

hold to the ground (by lying across, as wrestler); pin down

-gbàgha

turn round (esp. of a boat)

B. spread (across, as mat, cloth, etc.); lie (across):

Achòlù m kà ị gbàa akwà n’enu àkwà I want you to spread

cloth on the bed

-gbàba

spread (as mats, etc.)

-gbà ufìè

lie across or crosswise

C. spread (as of cloud over view); becloud; become dark

-gbà anya ōchịchịī

dim the vision

-gbàchi

be cloudy, dark, gloomy, lowering

-gbà òchịchịī

be dark, get dark

-gbà 2.

give a hand in carrying

ògbùgbà

carrying:

Bikō nyèlụ m aka ịgbàlù ewu e kēlụ eke dī n’ime ụkpā à

n’ụnwà jee n'ụgbọ Please help me to carry the tied goat in

this basket to the lorry

-gbà 3. +

A. join; pair; add

-gbàkọ

reckon; reckon up; take account of; count; add

mgbàkọ

A. joining; seam; collection; joining together, gathering,

flowing together (of liquids)

B. arithmetic; addition

-gbàkwụnye

add to; enlarge (e.g. a house) by addition of more rooms;

extend

-gbàkwụnye ụnò

enlarge, extend house (by adding more rooms at either or both

ends or sides);

Anà m agbàkwụnye ụnò m ụnō ūla naàbò I am enlarging

my house by two more bedrooms

-gbànye

reckon with; regard; care for; consider (as important):

Àgbanyèrò m yà n’ife I have no regard for him or I do not

consider him/it important

B. mate (mammals); wed; marry

-gbà akwụkwọ

marry by church and/or ordinance, esp. by church wedding:

Ndù gà-agbà akwụkwọ echī Ndụ will get married tomorrow

àgbàmakwụkwọ

wedding (church or ordinance, esp. church)

-gbà 4.

wear any kind of ring or anklet, etc., on any part of the body

(the object, of any material, must go round the particular part

of the body)

-gbà elili

wear strings round ankles

-gbà ugègbè anyā

wear glasses

mgbà akā, mgba

ring

akā

-gbà 5. +

force to drink liquid (e.g. drug, water, wine, etc.)

-gbàgbu

suffocate; choke; drown

-gbà iyī

bind with an oath; adjure

-gbà mmanya

make drunk

(manya)

-gbà mmilī

force to drink water (e.g. primitive way of feeding baby);

force to drink water by pushing the victim under water

-gbà 6.

A. grow big or strong; grow, become stout; come of age; be

fully-grown:

Mkpi gbàlù àgbà The he-goat is fully-grown

ògbùgbà

maturity

-gbà àrụ

be stout

-gbà òkolobìà

become adolescent (of man)

-gbà ọkpụkpụ

become physically stronger (of growing young person) (lit.

toughen bones)

-gbà ume

encourage (lit. strengthen the heart)

B. be so many years old, ago

-gbà arò

be a year old; be so many years old:

Nnwa afù agbàgo arò ìse The child is five years old

mgbà arò

a year (ago)

mgbà arò naàbò

two years (ago):

Ọ dīgo mgbà arò naàbò alụ afū mèlù It is now two years

since the tragedy occurred

gbàà

used in:

-nwu gbàà

shine, glitter, very brightly; be very white

-gbà-do

ext. suff. 1. all; entirely (cf. -gbà 3.)

-bụgbàdo

be entirely:

Ụmù ya niīnê bụgbàdò ndi orī All his children are thieves

-ligbàdo

eat altogether

-petùgbàdo

concern all

gbalagbala

cleverness; smartness; agility

-gba-lì +

be slender, slim

-gbalì àgbalì

be slender, slim

-me mgbalì

be slender, slim

gbamgbam

tin; enamel pan; anything made of tin; corrugated iron sheet

ụnò gbamgbam

building with corrugated iron roofing, 'zinc house'

-gba-zè

melt; change consistency of

-gbe 1.

crawl; move stealthily

ògbugbe

crawling

-gbebà

creep in; encroach

-gbechìgha

crawl back

-gbe egbe

move stealthily, stalk

-gbefè

crawl over, past

-gbe igbē, igbe

crawl (like children)

-gbelèghalị

loiter, creep (about)

-gbenata

crawl home

-gbepùta

crawl out

mgbelè

stealthy walking; slow, snail-paced walk

-gbe + 2.

v.:

-gbe anya

steal a look at

-gbè

mix, prepare (e.g. custard, cornflour, starch, or anything

which thickens in hot water)

-gbè àkàmù

mix, prepare liquid pap:

Achòlù m igbè àkàmù I want to prepare hot pap

-gbè àrụ

tire completely (make body soft, weak, like pap)

gbelele

thinness

-dị gbelele

be thin

gbiìgbiì

catfish (Clarias lazera)

-gbò

A. prevent (aggravation); stop; staunch (blood); check or

relieve, prevent (disease); protect:

Achòlù m kà ị gbòo ōgbụgbọ ife sī n’ọkụ nà-àgbọ I want

you to check the bubbling of the thing on the fire

ògbùgbò

preventing

-gbòbì

part; prevent from fighting

-gbòchi

prevent; hinder

-gbò mkpà

relieve need; satisfy want; suffice; be useful:

Igwè Nnā āyị zụtaalụ m n'arō gālụ aga nà-egbòlụ m

nnukwu mkpà n'arō à màkà nà ọ bù ya kà m jìzì èje

akwụkwọ n'ụnò akwụkwọ m ọfụū tēlụ aka ri nnē The

bicycle bought for me by our father last year is very useful to

me this year, because it is the bicycle that I ride to my new

school, which is very far away

-gbò ògù

part (antagonists); arbitrate and make peace

-gbòsà

part (antagonists)

Ànìegbòka

person's name (lit. the land has offered very formidable

protection)

B. cover in order to prevent; cover

-gbò akwà

cover with cloth

-gbòchi

cover (so as to prevent looking in or attack)

akwà mgbòchi

curtain

ife mgbòchi

covering; veil; screen

-gbòdo

cover

mgbòdo

protection; covering; shield

-gbòpù

uncover

gboo

early; formerly; long ago; ancient; olden (times):

Jèe gboo Go early:

Nàa gboo Go where you are going safely, and come back in

time:

Ọ dì gbo It has been so for a long time

gboo gboo

long, long ago

gboo lì

early; formerly; long ago; ancient; olden (times) (stronger

than gboo)

ndi gboo

the ancients

-gbọ 1.

A. vomit

ògbụgbọ

vomit (n.)

-gbọ agbọō

vomit (vomit):

Ọ gịnī kpàtàlù ị jì àgbọ agbọō n'ùtụtù? Why were you

vomiting in the morning?

-gbọpù

vomit out

-gbọtò

vomit and leave the mess

-gbọ 2.

bark; roar:

Anùlù m ogè nkịtā nà-àgbọ òdùm nā-agbọ n'òzàlà I heard

when the dog was barking at the lion that was roaring in the

wilderness

-gbọjà

shout at suddenly (so as to frighten)

-gbọ ùjà

bark; roar

-gbọ 3.

remain; be over (cf. -fọ 1.)

-gbọ agbọ

remain over; be left

-gbọfọ

remain over; be spare

-gbọ 4.

break off (forcibly and roughly)

-gbọkàpù

A. cut up meat

B. prune (tree); break off with force (e.g. as tree branch

breaking during a storm)

-gbọkwo

pluck (unripe fruit); miscarry (esp. of animals, but also of

humans)

-gbọkwopù

break off; pluck off; miscarry (very severe and accidental)

-gbọwa

split; hew (wood)

mgbọwa

crack; spliting

-gbọwapù

split up

-gbọ 5.

boil (of water); bubble; foam; froth:

Mmilī nà-àgbọ The water is boiling

ògbụgbọ

foaming

-gbọ àgbọ

steam and bubble:

Ìtè nà-àgbọ āgbọ The pot is steaming and bubbling

-gbọ ùfụfù

foam; froth

gbọò

int.

word asking for confirmation or denial of a report; e.g. A

narrates to B something concerning C, and B turns to C saying

'Gbọò', which implies 'You have heard what A has said. Is it

true?' B then expects C to confirm or deny A's statement

100

-gbọ-tò, -gba-tò

lay down:

Ebe à kà ọ gbōtòlù òkpu m nà-àchọ It is here that he

abandoned the hat I was looking for

-gbu 1.

A. kill; cut; chop

ògbugbu mmadù

manslaughter; murder

-gbu afịfịa

clear weeds

-gbu akwụ

cut palm fruit

-gbubè

cut off, across; chop off:

Gbubèe yā isi Cut off his head, or Behead him:

Egbubègo m agwọ afù ìbùọ I have cut the snake into two

-gbucha

cut side of something; trim hedges; peel bark

-gbudo

cut and place; fix firmly

-gbudo anya

perceive; observe

-gbu egbugbu

tattoo; mark

-gbufo

hack a way through

-gbugwò

A. cut open (of pot or pot-like object, e.g. coconut, or

something breakable, e.g. plate, with knife or matchet):

Àchọrō m kà i gbugwòo akụ oyìbo afù I do not want you to

break that coconut (by cutting)

B. till (something hard)

-gbu ichi

cut ichi marks

-gbuji

cut off with knife or matchet; cut across:

Àda nà-àchọ igbuji ọdū Ada is going to cut the pestle (into

two)

-gbujipù

break off; cut off; chop off; (with knife, matchet)

-gbujirà

cut into two

-gbukasị

hew; cut to pieces

-gbulì

till (something soft)

-gbu mgbu

clear prospective farm; clear bush of trees

-gbunye

cut up and bring together into

-gbunye akpụ

steep, soak cassava in water

-gbunye ọgwù

cut up and bring together into a pot various herbs, roots and

other ingredients of native medicine:

Achòlù m igbu#nye ọgwù ịbà I want to brew malaria

medicine

-gbu ōchi

draw blood with horn or horn-shaped calabash from any part

of the body to relieve pain, swelling, congestion; get rid of

impure or stagnant blood

-gbu ọchù

commit murder (or manslaughter, but strictly murder)

-gbu ọkìkà

tattoo

-gbupù

kill outright; cut off

-gbusịsị

annihilate

-gbutòpù

massacre; complete the killing or cutting

101

-gbutù

fell; cut down (e.g. trees)

-gbu ugbō

farm, cultivate

-gbuwa, -gbuwe

cut open, break into two (e.g. coconut)

-gbuwa ụzò

cut new road

ògbu mmādù

‘man-killer’; a much-coveted honour in the olden days

conferred on anyone who possessed a human head

B. intoxicate

(mmanya) -gbu

be intoxicated by alcohol:

Mmanya nà-ègbu Ọjì Ọjị is intoxicated

-gbu ògùgò

gladden

-gbu 2.

plant (tubers)

-gbu 3.

blow (musical instrument)

-gbu òkpòlòfifìè

whistle:

Ùfọdụ mbà nà-àsọ igbu#òkpòlòfifìè nsọ Some towns forbid

whistling

-gbu òpì

blow horn, bugle

-gbu òjà

blow flute, whistle:

Afùlù m ndị nā-egbu òjà I saw some people playing flutes

-gbu 4.

build, lay, mud wall

-gbu aja ụnò

build walls of mud building

-gbu 5.

place (knees, elbows) against

-gbudo ǹkù akā

place the elbows against:

Egbudozina ǹkù akā n’enu oche nnī Stop putting your

elbows on the table

-gbu ikpèlè

kneel:

Bìanù kà ànyị gbue ikpèlè n'ànì O come and let us kneel

down

-gbu ikpèlè ụkwū

fall on one's knees; kneel

-gbu 6.

coat, permeate (as paint, oil, dye, etc.)

-gbu nchà

soap oneself

-gbu ùlì

mark parts of the body with ùlì

-gbu 7.

flash; glitter; shine

-gbu fìàfìà

flash; glitter

-gbu ìnyège ìnyègè

glisten (as water or glass in sun)

-gbuke

shine

-gbu màlàmàlà

shine; glitter

-gbu 8.

hurt

-gbu mgbu

hurt; cause pain:

Ụkwụ nà-ègbu m mgbu My leg is hurting me

-gbu mgbu obì

pain in the heart

àrụ mgbu

pains; difficulty; agony; illness

ife mgbu

ailment

-gbu 9. +

v.:

102

-gbu ēgbu

intoxicate:

Mmanya ikē nà-ègbu ēgbu Local gin is intoxicating

gbùlùgbulù

roundness; surroundings:

Onye ndi ilō gbàlù gbùlùgbulù nà-èche bē ya nche mgbè

niīne mgbè niīne A person surrounded by enemies always

keeps watch over his house

-gbụ +

shed (leaves); remove:

Ọjī dī n’iru ụnō ānyị nà-àgbụ akwụkwọ The iroko tree in

the front of our house is shedding its leaves

-gbụ àgbụ

A. be slippery, slip on or off (of rings, bracelets)

B. be shed (leaves)

-gbụcha

shed leaves; slip; be slippery

-gbụcha ọnū

wash, rinse mouth:

Ogē òbùnà ị tàsìlì atụ gba mbò gbùchaa ọnū gị Whenever

you finish using your chewing stick, try and rinse your mouth

-gbụchapù

slip off; be out of joint

-gbụ mgbụ

shed leaves; strip:

Osisi dī nà mbala afīa adī àgbụ mgbụ The tree in the market

place never sheds its leaves

mgbụ ākwụkwọ

fallen leaves

-gbụnye

put on (ring, bracelet):

Gbùnye mgbànaka ǹke à kà m fụ etu ọ gà-àdị gī Put on this

ring and let me see how it fits you

-gbụ ọnụ mmīli

spit

-gbụpù

take off (e.g. shoe, ring); fall off (of leaves):

Achòlù kà ị gbụpù mgbànaka gī tupu ì bàta ụnò I want you

to remove your ring before you enter the house:

Ọjī dī n'òbi nà-àgbụpù akwụkwọ ọgè ǹcha The iroko tree

(Milicia excelsa) in the court sheds leaves at all times

-gbụtò

slip off and abandon:

Afūgo m ebe ọ gbūtòlù akpụkpọ ụkwū ya I have seen where

she (slipped off and) abandoned her shoes

-gbù

lose appetite for; have eaten sufficiently and want no more

off; be fed up:

Nnī gbùlù m I have no appetite for food (in general):

Elīgo m ji ogonogo ọgè; kịtāà ọ gbùgo m I have eaten yam

for a long time; now I am fed up with it (specific cause -

monotony)

-gbù àgbù

be fed up; have lost appetite for; have no appetite for:

Ùdị ọlū à nà-agbū àgbù ọsọ ōsọ This kind of work quickly

becomes boring

-gè 1. +

listen

-gè ntì

listen

103

-gè 2. +

v.:

-gè ǹgìgè

cordon round with rope or fence

genye nà

conj.

unless; until:

Agà m anò ebe à genye nà ò bìàlù I will be here until he

comes

Àyị amā eje ọlū genye nà ò mèlù ife ayị chòlù We shall not

work unless he does what we want.

GH.

-gha 1.

A. change (usu. for worse); turn; alter; turn round

òghụgha, òghịgha

change, turning (usu. for worse)

aya ōghụgha, enu ōghụgha, ife ōghụgha changing of state of

things for the worse, esp. in social matters, fashion, etc.:

Ọ bù aya ōghụgha mèlù nà ụmù àgbọghò nà-èjizi akā fa

aròlụ di sōlụ fa It is the changing of the state of things for the

worse that has brought about marriageable girls choosing their

husbands by themselves

-gha agha

change, alter (usu. for worse)

-gha anya

turn the eyes; long for; expect:

Bikō ghà anyā Please look this way

-gha anya n'àzụ

look backwards; look, glance back:

Agwàlù m yà kà o jìsie ikē ghàlụ ịghā anya n'àzụ I told him

to strive hard without looking backwards:

Onye nā-amù ịgbā igwè adā àgha anyā n'àzụ ọgè ọ nò

n’enu#ya A person just learning to ride a bicycle does not

look backward while on it

-ghagbu

A. confuse; play complicated trick (on someone); cheat:

Ibè àghagbugo m; o kwèsìlì kà mụ kèta ego īli n’ego mụ nà

ya kètàlù, mà sòọsò ego īnọ kà m kètàlù Ibe has tricked me;

I ought to get one naira out of the money we shared, but I got

only forty kobo

nghagbu

cheating; trickery

onye nghagbu

a trickster

B. toss about before dying

-ghaghalị

turn round, about

-ghakpù iru

turn upside down; lie face downwards

-ghalị àzụ

turn round; go back

àma ūgha

false witness

B. followed by -lị, used as suffix meaning ábout'

-jeghalị

stroll about:

Agū nà-èjeghalị n'òzàlà ịmā mà ọ nwè ife ọ gà-àfụ

kpachalị Agụ is going about in the grassland to see if he can

104

find some (animal) to take

-kwaghalị

move (things) about

-kwụghalị

loiter about lazily

-maghalị

jump about

-gha 2.

scatter, throw (broadcast); sow (broadcast)

òghụgha

scattering:

Anà m èje ịghā osè

I am going to sow pepper seeds (broadcast)

-gha mkpụlū

sow seeds (broadcast)

-gha mkpụlụ osisi

sow seeds (broadcast)

-ghasà

sow by scattering; scatter

-ghà

pass; overtake; leave; surpass; let alone; leave off; fail

òghùghà

passing, etc.

Ghàa yā aka Leave him alone!

Ụgbọ afù ghàlù àyị nà Nnoòbì The car overtook us at

Nnoobi

-ghàgbu

leave someone far behind:

Ndị mmụ nà fa yìbido ijè aghàgbugo m The people I started

the journey with have left me far behind

-ghàlụ = -ghà

-gbaghà

overshoot (one's target)

-gha-lị

see -gha 1.B.

-ghe 1.

be open; open; yawn; gape

-ghekpọ

yawn; pant

-ghe oghe, -ghe

be open:

oghē

Ụzò ghè oghē The door is open

-ghe ughelē

yawn

-kwùghe

open; take off lid or cover:

Bikō kwùghee ìtè Please uncover the pot

oghē

opening

oghele

opening; opportunity

-ghe 2.

fry

òghighe

frying

-ghekpọ

fry dry

-ghe ògèdè

fry plantains

anụ ōghighe

fried meat

anụ eghēleghe

fried meat

-ghè

be properly cooked

òghìghè

being properly cooked

-ghèdè

cook very soft (esp. of carbohydrate food)

-ghèkpò

cook properly (esp. of meat, fish); be well cooked

-sighè

cook properly

-ghè-li

cut into pieces:

105

Ghelìe anụ afù Cut that meat into pieces

-jeghèli

wander about at random

-meghèli

fool about

ghòlòghòlò

watery, light consistency (of soup, broth, etc.; cf. gologolo)

-dị ghòlòghòlò

be watery

-gba ghòlòghòlò

be watery

-ghọ 1.

A. go wrong; miss; be mistaken

òghụghọ

mistaking

-ghọ aghọ

be a mistake; show a loss:

Ibè akpāchàpùrò anya wèlụ gbu ewu mmadù kamà ọ

ghòlù yà àghọ Ibe did not deliberately kill another man's

goat; it was a mistake

òghọm̄

mistake; mishap

B. show a loss

-ghọ afịa

suffer loss in trade:

Àda àkwụsigo mgbele azù màkà nà ọ ghōgo yā afịa Ada

has stopped her fish trade because it has shown a loss

òghọm̄

loss

-ghọ 2.

A. catch (object falling from a height or thrown)

òghụghọ

catching:

Anà m èje ịghō ife ọ nà-àchọ ịtūpùlù m site n’enu osisi I am

going to catch what he is going to drop for me from the top of

the tree

-ghọdo

catch something falling

-ghọlụ = -ghọ

catch:

Ghòlụ ife ọ nà-àchọ ịtūpùlù gị Catch what he is going to

throw to you

B. pick, pluck fruit

-ghọta

pick; pluck; snatch at

C. collect dripping liquid

Achòlù m ijī afele wèlụ ghọta mmili na-ātụsịsị n'ànì I want

to use a plate to collect the water dripping on the floor

D. understand

-ghọdo

understand well:

Achòlù m kà ị ghọdo ife m nà-èkwu òfụma I want you to

understand what I am saying well:

Àghọdōsịrọ m okwu ị nà-èkwu n'ùtụtù màkà nà anà m

akù mgbanù ọgè ị nà-èkwu okwu#I did not quite get what

you were saying in the morning because I was in a hurry when

you were speaking

-ghọta

understand:

Achòlù m kà ị ghọta okwu#m I want you to understand my

word:

106

Aghōtago m ife ị nà-àkụzili m I have understood what you

are teaching me

nghọta

understanding

-ghò 1.

change, develop into; become

òghùghò

changing

-ghòlụ

change, develop into; become:

Akpụkpa dī n'àrụ Īwu aghòlụgo ọyà ọcha The rash on

Iwu's body has developed into leprosy

-ghò 2.

play trick; trick; work deceit:

Kèdụ ife ị nà-aghò ebe afù? What trick are you up to there?

-ghò aghùghò

be cunning; deceive; work deceit; play trick; trick

-ghòdo

trick someone into missing something elsewhere

-ghògbu

confuse, play trick on someone

-ghòlị

‘deceive’ by exerting pre-natal influence on child to resemble

oneself. If a pregnant woman keeps constant company with

another person, during much of the pregnancy, the child is

very likely to resemble that person when born:

Òbìàgèlî ghòlìlì Àda ọgè a dì ime Āda, ị fūrọ etu Àda sìlì yi

yā? Ọbịageli ‘deceived’ Ada while Ada was in the womb;

don't you see how Ada resembles her?

-ghu

cook; boil (cf. -si)

òghughu

cooking:

Gịnī kà ị nà-àchọ ighu#? What are you preparing to boil?

-ghụ 1.

(cf. -gwò) pluck out; extract (e.g. like eyes); remove, scoop

(e.g. coconut flesh from shell)

òghụghụ

plucking out; extraction:

Ì jèkò ịghū m anya? Are you going to pluck out my eye?

-ghụlụ

pluck out; extract (and take away)

-ghụ 2.

bath

-gi-de, -ji-de, -de

ext. suff.1.

against:

-kwugide

speak against:

Fa nà-èkwugide yā èkwugide They are speaking against him

-megide

act against

-nwụde

seize; throw in wrestling; catch (e.g. thief) red-handed

gìdìgìdì

disorder; trouble (cf. Yoruba gìdìgìdì of violent physical

movement, esp. fighting):

Ụnō à nà-adà gìdìgìdì There is great trouble in this house.:

Ogè ife à mèlù mmadù niīne wèe na-àgba gìdìgìdì When

this thing happened all the people were running helter-skelter

gị

pron.

(independent; 2nd pers. sg.) you, your (sg.); thou; thee; thy

(cf. ǹgị):

mụ nà gị

you and I

ǹkè gị

yours; thine:

107

Ọ nà-àgwa gī He is telling you

-gị-gàdo +:

-gịgàdo aka

catch hold of (of someone weak, e.g. spider)

gịlịgịlị

thinness; slightness; slenderness

gịnī?

int.

what?

gịnī zị?

what? what then?

gịnī kpàtàlù?

why?

gịnī mèlù?

what happened?

màkà gịnī?

for what? for what reason?

ò gịnī?

what?

-go 1.

buy; hire (men, things)

-gokọ

buy together

-gokọlụ

buy all

-golu

buy; hire (things)

-gote

buy from

-gotelụ

buy for someone

-go 2. +

v.:

-go ngo

give a reward or inducement

-go 3.

infl. suff.

(perfect marker):

Ọ nātago He has arrived:

Ọ gwūgo It has finished:

Ì pùtago ūla Good morning (lit. Have you come out of the

sleeping room?)

-go 4.

ext. suff. 1.

upwards (related to ngō, upper part):

Ụmù akwụkwọ nà-akwàgo motō Ōbelē enu ugwu#Students

are pushing Obele's car up the hill.:

Afù m Obelē kà ọ nà-àgbago ụzò ụnò akwụkwọ I saw

Obele going upwards in the direction of the school.:

Afù m Obelē kà ọ nà-àlịgo ajā I saw Obele climbing up the

wall

-gò + 1.

make a noise

-gò akwa

bewail; lament

-gòli

rejoice; make a joyful noise

-gò + 2.

v.:

-gò iru

be coy; hesitate to grant a favour which one actually wants to

grant

-go-du

ext.suff.

first; beforehand; preceding (cf. -du 3.):

Bìàgodu fū m tupu ì jebe afīa Come and see me first before

going to the market:

Chèegodu! Wait first!

gogògo

fish sp. (Ichthyborus besse)

gologolo

wateriness (of soup, broth, etc.; cf. ghòlòghòlò):

Achòlù m ofe dī gologolo I want a watery soup

108

-go-si

show

O gōsigo ōnwe yā He has shown himself (in his true colours):

Ọ nà-èje igōsi ya ụnō Ōfọ He is going to show him Ọfọ's

house

ngosi

revelation; show

-mùgosi

teach:

Ọ nà-amùgosi yā etu e sì egbē àkàmù He is teaching him

how liquid pap is prepared

-gọ 1.

deny

-gọ àgìgò, àgùgò

deny (a fact)

-gọ agọ

deny

-gọnarị

deny (knowledge of something)

-gọ 2.

worship

-gọ alūsị

worship a deity

-gọ ọjị

offer kolanuts to the ancestors or deities

-gọ mmụō

worship spirits (by presenting kolanuts)

Fâ nà-àgọ mmụō They are worshipping spirits

ịgōmmụọ

worshipping spirits

-gọ 3.

bless

-gọ òfọ

bless with òfọ, the symbol of authority

-gọzi

bless; invoke a blessing

ngọzi

A. blessing

B. female name

-gò + 1.

be related by marriage

-gò ọgò

perform duties of a relation by marriage

ọgò

in-law; relative by marriage

ọgò nwaànyì

mother-in-law; female relative by marriage

ọgò nwokē

father-in-law; male relative by marriage

-gò 2.

ext. suff. 1.

make, be bent (cf. ngò crookedness)

-dọgò

pull crooked

-tigò

bend by beating:

Ụzụ nà-ètigō mkpịsī The blacksmith is beating the spike to

bend it

-gu

see -gwu

-gù +

v.:

-gù mmilī

be damp (as of salt)

-gụ 1.

count; read

ògụgụ

figures; number(s); counting; reading; recitation

ọnụ ōgụgụ

numbering; the Book of Numbers (Bible)

-gụdà

read through

-gụfìè

misread

-gụkọta

add up; reckon; count

-gụmì

read deeply

109

-gụnwù

read again

-gụnye

add; reckon; count in:

fì gụnyego fā? Have you counted them in the group?

-gụnye nà

reckon as; account

-gụ ọnū

count; reckon

-gụpù

count out

-gụsi ike

read out forcefully

-gụtè aka

read for a long time

agụkata àgbà àwarị an uncountable number

-gụ- + 2.

desire; like; want; need (with thing desired or needed as

subject)

-gụ agụū

hunger; desire; long for

(agụū) -gụ

be hungry

(mmilī) -gụ

be thirsty:

Mmilī nà-àgụ yā She is thirsty

(ndù) -gụ

want to live

(ọnwụ) -gụ

want to die:

fì chọrō ịchàlù motò òfụma, ọ dì kà ọnwụ ò nà-àgụ gī? You

don't want to give way properly to the lorry; it seems you

want to die?

-gụ- 3.

bring; fetch; pick out

-gụpùta

rescue (from fire or water:

Ọ gụpùtàlì yà nà mmilī He rescued him from drowning

-gụta ọkụ

fetch fire

-gụ 4.

see -gwụ

-gù + 1.

give name to; name

-gù afà

name; give a name

agù

namesake

-gù + 2.

v.:

(àkpịlī) -gù

lose voice (as a result of excessive straining of the voice

resulting from long speech or cold)

-gù 3.

embrace; grip; enclose in arms

-gù-gù

soothe, hush, comfort (e.g. small child):

Ọ nà-àgụgū yā akwa She is soothing (the baby) to make it

stop crying

-gùgùta

soothe; comfort; soothe to make stop crying (small child)

110

GW.

-gwa 1.

tell (no vowel suffix):

Gwa m ife mēlụ ị bīarọ ùnyàafù Tell me why you did not

come yesterday:

Ọ chò igwā m ịfe He wants to tell me something

ògwụgwa

telling

-gwagbu

slander (a person) to death; curse bitterly

-gwaghalị

tell again

-gwakwụlụ

-gwa okwu

address

-gwata

hint to a person

-gwa 2.

mix

ògwụgwa

mixing

-gwa agwa

mix

-gwa gàrị

mix gari

-gwa mmanya

mix wine with water or other wine

-gwazi

mix properly

-gwa 3.

revenge; avenge

-gwa ọchù

take revenge

-kụgwa

revenge, avenge a beating

-megwa

revenge; avenge (lit. do back):

Agà m èmegwa yā ịfe ọ mēlụ m I will take vengeance for

what he did to me

-tigwa

revenge; avenge beating (lit. beat back):

Ọ bụlụ nà o tie gī ịfe, tìgwalụ yā If he beats you, beat him

back

-gwe

pound, grind (usu. dry objects)

ògwugwe

pounding

-gwelì

pound well

-gwe ọkà

pound corn

-gwesị

pound all

ǹgwe

grinder; apparatus, machine for grinding

gwègèlègwègèlè

weak flabbiness

-tụ gwègèlègwègèlè

move in a weak, flabby way

-gwò

ext. suff. 1.

into pieces (something harder than -lì)

-gbugwò

cut open (pot, etc.), till (something hard)

-tigwò

break into pieces (e.g. iron pot)

-gwọ 1.

mix; cure

ògwụgwọ

curing

-gwọ nsị

work sickness or death by means of magic or poison

-gwọ ọgù, ọgwù

make poison or medicine

-gwọ ọyà

cure disease

111

-gwọ ụla

keep oneself awake by using kolanuts, drugs, etc.

dibìà ọkpùlụ ōgwọọ! praise name for a native doctor (lit.

doctor who cures as soon as he sips). Native doctors

sometimes sip or chew certain medicines in the mouth, then

spit it on any part of the patient's body, or in the air, following

this sometimes by incantations

ògwọ ǹnù ọyà

panacea; medicine capable of curing all diseases (lit. ‘curer of

400 diseases’)

-gwọ + 2.

v.:

-gwọ ụla

snore

-gwọ 3.

sit with the lower limbs twisted and drawn up, as a lame

person or as Moslems during prayer; sit with the lower limbs

drawn up (usually on the floor)

-gwọlụ

be seated on flat surface (e.g. floor) and unable to stand

-gwọ ǹgwụlō

sit with the lower limbs drawn up (like a lame person, usually

on the floor) (cf. -kù ǹgwụlō)

ǹgwòlù ǹgwọlụ,

(slang) food prepared by mashing together different kinds of

ǹgwòlùǹgwọ

food (e.g.

akpụ a gwōlụ agwọ

shredded cassava mashed with ụkwà or òkwè)

-gwò + 1.

v.:

-gwò àgwò

be flexible, pliant:

Osisi à gwòlù àgwò This tree is flexible

-gwò ile

speak in metaphor or slang unintelligible to an outsider

-gwò

scrape, scoop out (cf. -ghụ)

ògwùgwò

scraping; scooping out

-gwò ofe

take all the meat, etc., of soup at expense of others

-gwu, -gu

dig

ògwugwu

digging

-gwufìè

dig in the wrong direction

-gwumì

dig deep inside

-gwu ọba

make a barn of yams

-gwupùte

dig up

-gwurube

dig around:

Ọ nà-ègwurube ànì n’ukwù osisi He is digging holes around

the tree

-gwute

dig up:

-gute ji

harvest yams

-gwù unyì

dig, mine coal

-gwù + 1.

swim

ògwùgwù

swimming

-gwufè

swim across

-gwù mmilī

swim

-gwù + 2.

play

112

-gwù egwu

play

-gwùli egwu

play about

ngwùli

play; fun

-gwùso egwu

play with someone

-gwụ, gụ

finish

ògwụgwụ

ending (cf. ngwụsị)

-gwụcha

finish; end

-gwụfọ

finish, leaving a little quantity:

Ọ gūfọgo It is just about to run out

-gwụ ike

tire; be weary; be tired; have one's energy sapped:

Ife à àgwụgo m ike I am tired of this thing, or, This thing has

tired me

-gwụsị

finish

ngwusị

ending (cf. ògwụgwụ):

Ọ gà-àbịa ebe à na ngwụsị arò She will come here towards

the ending of the year

agwū agwụ

inexhaustible

ike ōgwụgwụ

tiredness

haà!

int.

oh! (surprise)

heì!

int.

oh! (surprise)

see ị

see ị-

ibe

A. part (of); piece (of)

ibe akwà

piece of cloth

ibe akwụkwọ

sheet, piece, of paper

ibelibe

a small piece:

ibelibe ìtè

potsherd:

ibelibe nkū

splinter

ibe naàbò

two pieces

Ìtè afù tìwàlù ibe

The pot broke into two pieces

naàbò

ibe nkū

plant; piece of wood

ibe nnī

a piece of food (like yam, cocoyam, etc.)

Sùlu òfu ibe nnī

Take a piece of food

113

ibe òlòma

segment of orange

ibe osisi

part of tree (split from the main body)

n’ibe n’ibe

in pieces; to pieces; piece by piece

-wa ibe

break, smash, into pieces

ibē

A. pledge; security; pawn; hostage

-gba ibē

pledge; give as security:

Ejìlì m ewu gba Òbi ibē I pawned my goat to Obi:

Ejìlì m ụnò m gbalụ ibē I gave my house as

security/mortgaged my house:

Ọ gbàlù ndù ya n’ibē He insured his life:

Ò jì m gba ibē? Am I a pawn at his mercy?

-jide n’ibē

hold as hostage:

E jìdèlù yà n’ibe He's a hostage

B. bet:

Ibē fìèlù m I lost the bet

-ma ibē

bet; stake

ibè

companion; neighbour;

ibē ānyị

comrades; friends; compatriots; companions;

ikwu nà ibè

relatives and neighbours; kinsfolk and friends

-sòchì ibè n’àzụ

walk in single file; follow immediately behind each other;

follow immediately behind or after companions

ìbèlì

instrument with cane handle and many cords, used for

flogging or for killing flies

ibì

hydrocele

amù ibì

hydrocele

-dà ibì

have hydrocele

ìbìlì

adult woman; married woman

ìbìli àchì

adult woman; married woman

ìbome, ubom

metal gong used by town-crier, or by titled man on feast-days

to summon the ancestors

ibu

load (-bu 1. carry)

ibu alō

heavy load:

O bù ibu alō He is carrying a heavy load

(ibu) -nyì

weigh heavily (of load); be heavy-laden (of person):

Ibu nà-anyī m#I am weighed down by a load

(ibu) -nyìgbu

weigh heavily on (of load); be heavy-laden (of person):

Ibu nà-ànyìgbu onyebulu nā-ebugalụ ānyị ibu n’ụgbọ The

load is weighing heavily on the carrier who is carrying our

luggage to the lorry

anụ ibū

beast of burden

ànyìnyà ibū

donkey; mule; ass

-bo ibu

lift a load on to someone's head

-kwa ibu

pack loads, belongings, luggage

114

ibù

bigness; size

-bù ibù

be big:

O bù ibu

It is big

-tu ibù

be stout

iche 1.

missile; stone for throwing or use with catapult

iche ọkū

spark (lit. missile of fire)

-tụ iche

throw missile:

Ọ nà-àchọ ịtū ǹgwèle nō n’enu ajā iche She wants to throw

something at the lizard on the wall

iche 2.

used in:

iche òkù

parrot

ichè

difference; apartness; separateness

ichè ichè

various; different:

Ife dī ichè ichè dì n’afịa Ònìchà There are different kinds of

things in Onitsha market

-bi ichè

live separately

-dị ichè

be different:

Ọ dì ichè It is different

ife dī ichè a different thing

n’ichè n’ichè

different; various; differently

ichekē

yam which turns red when cut

ichēku

see chalekū

ichèlè

shells of palm nuts

ichèlè akū

shells of palm kernels

ichi

marks on body and face

-gbu ichi

cut ichi marks

Ìchiè

(also ndị Ìchiè, ndi ìchìe ànì) titled people; wise old men;

chiefs; king's counsellors

ìde

post; doorpost (cf. isò)

Ìdebūànì

male name (lit. pillar that holds the land)

ìde jī ụnò

chief person supporting family (lit. pillar holding the house)

ideèlè

general name for fish of the family Schilbeidae (= ịjaàrì)

idèì, idè

flood; torrent; spate (caused by rainfall, cf. ijī for flooding of

river):

Idèì likpùlù ụzò The flood has covered the road

aja idèì

heap of sand collected by flood after rain fall

ụzò idèì

trench; channel; gutter

Ìdemmīli

A. an alūsị with a cult, usually with one shrine on the land

and another in the water

B. name of a stream

Ìdemmīli Òbosi

the Idemmili stream at Obosi

idìdè

earthworm

idò

brown 'tailor ant'

115

ife, ịfe

thing; anything; possession; article

ife afīa

small edible articles bought by women for their children

ife aghā, ife ayā

weapon

ife alū

abomination:

Ọ mèlù ịfe alū He committed an abomination, sacrilege

ife arịma

token; sign; omen:

Ife arịma èmego A significant thing has happened

ife àtù

example; sample (also used as female name)

ife èbùbè

a wonder

ife ekike

finery; adornment

ife enunu

domestic animals; cattle; poultry

-kpa ife enunu

keep livestock

ife gālụ aga

past event; past thing

ife ibī ụnò

furniture

ife ikē

violence

ife inē ọlụ

prize; reward

ife iwē

annoying thing

ife izè, òzìzè

thing to avoid; offensive thing

ife izè ǹdò

shelter (e.g. from rain)

ife ịtū n’anya

surprising thing

ife mbèlède

chance; accident

ife mbụ

the first thing

ife mfiedo

girdle; belt

ife mgbòchi

covering; veil; screen

ife mgbu

suffering; painful thing

ife mkpalị

scorn; mockery; disrespect

ife mkpofù

offal

ife mwuta, ife

painful, distressing thing

mwute

ife nchèta

memorial

ife ndapùta

event; occurrence

ife nkèta

inheritance

ife nkịtị

nothing; useless, contemptible thing

ife nsiji

dye

ife nsō

A. forbidden thing

B. holy thing

ife ntụchì

bolt

ife ntụmādị

accident; unexpected, sudden thing

ife nzizo, nzuzo

secret thing

ife nŋòmi

pattern; example worthy of emulation

ife nnwùta

something borrowed

ife ōghughu

abdominal discomfort after delivery

ife ōlulo

hurt; pain

116

ife onū

necklace

ife ònyìnyò

image; likeness; resemblance

ife orī

stolen goods

ife ōbụnà

whatever; anything

ife ògù

arms; weapon

ife ōgbụgba

post-partum haemorrhage (P.P.H.); menorrhagia (excessive

loss at menstrual period)

ife ōghụgha

changing of state of things for worse

ife ọjọō

bad, evil, thing or deed

ife ōkụkụ

anything to be planted

ife ōlịla

something drinkable

ife ọlū

tool; instrument

ife ọma

nice, good thing

ife ōŋụŋụ

something drinkable

ife òzọ

another thing

ife ūfụ

painful, distressing thing

ajō ife

abomination; defilement

amā ife

ignorance

-bà n’ịfe

be useful; profit; benefit

-gbànyè n’ife

reckon with; regard; care for; consider (as important)

-ma ife

have sense; be wise

òòbò ifē, òbùbò ifē

heap of something

-pịa ife

whip; flog; punish; chastise

ìfè

A. light (of day)

B. civilization

Anyaanwū nà-ènye ùwà ìfè The sun illuminates the world

(ìfè) -tiwa

(of civilization) be widespread:

Ìfè ètiwago nà Nàìjirīà, ndi mmādù adā àgbazilị ibè fa orù

Civilization has become widespread in Nigeria; people no

longer serve their fellow beings as slaves

-pùta ìfè

come out into the open; be made manifest, not secret:

Ndi nā-emebī īwu adā àchọ kà ajō ife fa nà-ème pùta ìfè

Criminals never want their bad deeds to come out into the

open

Ìfèjiọkū

Yam Spirit, who is worshipped before planting begins and for

whom the New Yam Festival (òwụwa jī) is held

isī nni Ìfèjiọkū

to cook food, by a girl who is pregnant for the first time and

presented to Ifejiọkụ

ifelē, ịfelē

shame; shyness; reserve:

Ifelē ekwērọ ya àyọ ayìyọ He was too ashamed

(embarrassed) to beg

enwē ifelē

unrestrained; unabashed

iru ifelē

modesty, blushing

117

-me ifelē

put to shame

-menye ifelē n’iru

make ashamed of oneself (lit. bring shame to one's face)

-nwe ifelē

be shy, restrained, reserved

(ifelē) -me

be ashamed:

Ifelē mèlù onye orī afù ogè fa jìdèlù ya The thief was

ashamed when he was caught

ifì

used in:

-sà ifì

confess voluntarily to crime, abomination, or other bad deed

ifùlù

small fish with fins, caught when the Niger falls (November)

ìfulū

flower; blossom (cf. ìgùgù)

-kpọ ìfulū

blossom; flower (cf. -kpọ ìgùgù)

-ra ìfulū

blossom; flower

ìgèdu

timber

igiligi

dew

ìgo

twisted foot

ìgòsì

used in:

ụmū ìgòsì

children; young children

igù

palm-branch; large size of òmụ nkwū

ìgùgù

flower; blossom; (cf. ìfulū)

-kpọ ìgùgù

blossom; flower

ìgùlùbè, ìgùlùbe

ladder

igbē

crawling

-gbe igbē

crawl (like children):

Ọ nà-ègbe igbē He is crawling

ìgbe

bow; casket

ìgbènù

fish (Heterotis niloticus) (= ègbìlì)

ìgbìlì, ìgbì

gum (of mouth)

-kwọ ìgbì

rub the gums (of teething child)

ìgbo, ìgbogīdi

general name for top minnows, family Cyprinodontidae

Ìgbò

A. the Igbo people in general; the Igbo language:

Abù m onye Ìgbò

I am an Igbo person

-sụ Ìgbò

speak Igbo

B. (when qualifying another noun) indigenous, as opposed to

something of outside origin

afā Ìgbò

Igbo name (versus afà Oyìbo, European name)

efi Ìgbò

dwarf cattle (versus efi Awụsa, zebu cattle)

ofe Ìgbò

type of palm-oil

C. in a more restricted sense, the upland people to the east of

the Niger (also ndị Ìgbò), contrasted with Olu (also ndị Olū),

the riverain Igbo. The people of Onitsha itself do not classify

themselves with either Ìgbò or Olu (Henderson 1972: 40 - 41,

89 n.)

Ìgbò Adàgbè

term for most of the peoples of Anambra Division

118

Ìgbò Agba Enū

term for the peoples of Idemmīli, Aguata and Awka Divisions

ìgbogīdi

see ìgbo

ìgbùdù 1.

imitation coffin containing plantain stem representing dead

person, thrown away in the bush during the second burial

ìgbùdù 2.

trap for animals (esp. grasscutter)

igwē 1.

sky; heaven; firmament, regarded as an alūsị created directly

by Chukwu

Igwē ka Ànì

A. title for an Obi or Ezè

B. name of a very notorious and powerful Igbo cult, with

which many important Igbos were connected. It has been

banned by legislation

Igwē nà Ànì

(in Nri thought) the firmament and the earth, which together

make up Ùwà, the visible world

Igwē nā-ezùlu òrà

praise-name for someone who has taken highest title

enu igwē

the sky; heaven

enu igwē nà ùwà

A. heaven and earth

B. title for a king or chief

iru igwē

weather; sky (= iru anyaanwū)

igwē 2.

salutation for a king

Fâ nà-ètu yā igwē They are saluting him 'Igwē!'

igwè

iron; any type of machinery or mechanical contrivance

igwè ịkwā akwà

sewing-machine

-gba igwè

ride bicycle

ǹdele igwè

iron rod used for fighting

okpòlò igwè

rod of iron

ọnyà igwè

steel trap

ìgwè

large number

ìgwè atụlū

flock of sheep

Ìgwè bù ike

A. Union is strength

B. Man’s name

ìgwe mmadù

large crowd

igwu

louse

igwu akwà

cloth-louse

igwu isī

head-louse

igwù

palm-fronds

-kpà igwù

prepare palm-fronds

ìgwùlùbè, ìgùlùbè

locust

ijè

journey

Nwayòò bù ijè slow and steady wins the race (lit. gentleness

is the journey)

-buni ijè

start on a journey

ijè ọma

farewell!

-pù ijè

go on tour; travel

119

-ranyè ijè

pick one's way; move on slowly; step; toddle

-sètịpù ijè

embark or continue on a journey

onye ijè

traveller

ìjelè 1., ìjerè

soldier ant (cf. elùuluū, the more typical Onitsha word)

ìjelè 2.

a graceful masquerade with a very large complex mask

ìjèlè

small round jingling metal bells worn while dancing; strung

bells

ijī

annual flooding of the Niger (contrast idèì). The signs of the

flood are:

1. àtịtā, loud bubbles in the river

2. Àkèle nà-àkpọ ijī The akele (frog) is calling the flood

3. Mmilī nà-erùghalị āzụ The water is flowing backwards

(i.e. becomes sluggish)

ijīji

fly; housefly

ike

strength; authority; force; power

ike ōgwụgwụ

fatigue; tiredness; exhaustion

aka ikē

A. rigid discipline

B. stinginess

C. force; violence:

Ezè afù jì aka ikē wèlu àchị ndi òbòdò ya The chief

enforces rigid discipline in his town

anya ikē

A. boldness; greed; fearlessness

B. axe

àrụ ikē

health

-fiedosi ike

tighten

-gwụ ike

tire; make weary, tired; sap energy (lit. finish energy)

ife ikē

violence

isi ikē

rebellion

onye isi ikē

a rebel

jè si ikē

salutation to one starting on a journey

-kedosi ike

tighten

-kwàsi ike

push firmly

-kwusi ike

speak strongly or loudly

-kwụsị ike

stand firm

-lụsi ike

work hard, energetically

-me isi ikē

be headstrong

-me n’ike

do violently, forcibly

ǹga ọlụ ikē

imprisonment with hard labour

-nwe ike

be capable, strong, able

enwē ike

strengthless; a weakling

obì ikē

hardheartedness, relentlessness

òchịchị aka ikē

tyranny

-si ike

be strong, hard, difficult

120

ikè

bottom; hinder part; buttock(s); anus; rectum

ikè mmānya

dregs

ikèì

old man; old

ndị ikèì

the elders

ìkekele

used in:

-ta ìkekele ezē

grind teeth

ike kwọ, ike kwe

perhaps:

Ike kwọ agà m àbịa Perhaps I will come

ìkele

used in:

òkpa ìkele

groundnut

ikèlike

crumbs; fragments

ikèlike ākwa

eggshell

ikèlike ọkū

spark

Ìkeǹgà 1.

personification of the strength of a man’s right hand,

symbolizing success; image representing Ìkeǹgà personal to a

man and split at his funeral

aka ìkeǹgà

right hand

ìkeǹgà 2.

jar for storing palm wine

ìkeǹgà 3.

used in:

ìkeǹgà elùuluū

giant ants, with very big heads, seen among smaller ones

ikènyè, ikènyà

grown men; elders; principal men

ìkìkè

used in:

òkụkū ìkìkè

small fowl; pullet

ìkili

joint used in:

ìkili akā

elbow

ìkili ezē

part of jaw near molar

ìkili ụkwū

heel

ìkiti

used in:

ìkiti ụkwū

(sound of) footstep

ikō

fish-trap

ìko

cup; drinking vessel

èlèle īko èlèlè

boiled in tins (e.g. milk tins) instead of being wrapped in

leaves

nju ìko

cupful

ikòlò, ukòlò

wooden drum, played on great occasions, e.g. when a great

man dies, or as an alarm for war

Nwaànyì adī àgba ukòlò Women cannot dance to the ikòlò

(because only men who have killed can dance to it)

ìkolobìà

see òkolo

ìkòm

male (opp. of ìnyòm)

ndị ìkòm

males; men

ìkù, ǹkù

eyebrow (also ìkù anyā)

ìkùkù

breeze; wind; gale

121

ìkùku ọgbarù

south wind; breeze from down-river

ikpe

judgement

ikpe kwū ọtọ

justice:

Ezè afù kpèlù ikpe kwū ọtọ The king administered justice

-chi ikpe

complain; make complaint

-kè ikpe

give judgement

-ma ikpe

condemn:

A màlù ya ikpe orī He was found guilty of stealing

àmàmikpe

condemnation, conviction (in case)

onye ikpē

judge

ụnò ikpē

court of law

ìkpè

slander; bad things said about one with exaggeration or

untruth

ìkpe āzụ

see -kpè + 1.

ikpèlè

knee

-gbu ikpèlè

kneel

ìkpele

edge; border; bank

ìkpele mmīli

bank of the river

ikpo

collection, set (of things); large crowd (of people) (contrast

mkpù)

ikpo afịfịa

rubbish-heap

ikpo akwụkwọ

set of books

ikpo mmadù

large crowd of people

ìkpo

square bronze bell

mmụō īkpo

masquerade covered with ìkpo

ìkpò 1.

tall coarse tufted grass

ìkpò 2.

see ùkpò

ìkpoòkpò

general name for cichlid fish, Tilapia and Hemichromis

genera, and extended to similar fish

ìkpoòkpo àgù

Tilapia galilaea

ìkpoòkpò akasa

Tilapia nilotica

ìkpoòkpò nkōlọ

Cichlidae tenopoma kingsleyae

ìkpoòkpò ọnụ

Hemichromis fasciatus

ogonogo

ìkpoòkpò ụnò dị

Tilapia aurea

mmā

ikpù

hairy part in front of genitals of either sex; vulva

ìkpulū

worm; maggot

ikwè

mortar

ikwu

relative (general term):

Ọ kpò ndị ikwū ya He summoned his relatives

ikwu nà ànyị

our people

ikwu nà ibè

relatives and neighbours; kinsfolk and friends

122

ikwu nnē

the home quarter of one's mother

ikwuù

used in:

ụnò ikwuù

moveable house; tent; booth

ile

tongue

ile ọkū

flame; spark; hot part of fire

-de n’ile

taste

ekike ilē

string of the tongue

-gwò ile

clip words

-lapùta ile

put out the tongue

ìlè

power; potency; effectiveness (of thing):

Ọgū à dì ìlè This medicine is powerful

ìli

num.

ten

ilìilì

splinter

ìlìlò

weed

ilo

enmity

-dị n’ilo

be enemies

Fâ dì n’ilo They are enemies:

Mụ nà Òbi dì n’ilo Obi and myself are enemies

onye ilō

enemy; person bearing malice towards one

ìlo

outside; compound outside walls (= èzi amā, contrast mbala

ēzi); area in village not occupied by houses (includes but is

wider than èzi)

-bọ ìlo

clear the village square

èzi īlo

precincts of a house

n’ìlo

outside; without

okpolo īlo

road, street (esp. in town)

-pù ìlo

go out; go for a stroll

-pù n’ìlo

go outside (and stay)

ìlòlò 1.

deep thought (on a problem)

-lo ìlìlò, ìlòlò

think

òka ìlòlò

adviser; counsellor

ìlòlò 2.

used in:

ọnụ ìlòlò

gutter; drain

imē

A. inside; interior

imelìme

interior; inmost part

imelìme ụnò

an inner room

ime ōbi

name given to interior of the palace where the king mostly

stays

ime ụnò

room

n’imē

A. inside; in; within:

n’ime ụnò

inside the house

B. out of (a number)

B. pregnancy

123

ime òpùpù, òpùpù

miscarriage

imē

afọ imē

pregnancy (lit. pregnant abdomen)

-bu afọ imē

be pregnant (lit. carry pregnant abdomen)

-dị imē

be pregnant:

Ọ dì imē She is pregnant:

Ọ dì ime ọnwa ītọ She is three months pregnant

Proverb: Echî dì imē Nobody knows tomorrow (lit. tomorrow

is pregnant)

-gbakwo imē

abort; miscarry

-gbakwopù imē

abort; miscarry

-ke imē

cause abortion

-me imē

be in labour; travail

nwaànyì imē

pregnant woman

-tụba imē

impregnate:

Ọjì gà-àtụba gī imē ọ bụlụ nà ị kpāchàpùrò anya Ọjị will

get you pregnant if you are not careful

-tụ imē

become pregnant; be pregnant

-tụlụ imē

become pregnant; become pregnant illegitimately and

accidentally (e.g. of girl in school):

Àda m#nō n’ụnò akwụkwọ àkwụsigo akwụkwọ màkà nà ọ

tūlụgo imē My first daughter who has been in school has

stopped schooling because she has become pregnant

(‘illegitimately’ implied)

ìmejū

liver

ìmèliìmè

much; plenty; a large number:

Ìmèliìme mmādù bìàlù ebe à A great crowd of people came

here

imi

nose; mucus (of nose)

imi mpīa

nose partly or wholly destroyed by disease; depressed nostril

-mapù imi

blow the nose

oghele imī

nostril

-su imi

wrinkle nose in direction of person in disdain (usually not

allowing the victim to know, but allowing others around to

know)

-te imi

rub, coat, with mucus

-zì imi

blow the nose

ìmìlìkiti

many

imùlimu

tiny, minute size:

O kpùtè imùlimu ajā He brought some fine sand

inì

grave; burial place (from -nì bury (corpse)):

O sīgo n’inì kùnie He has risen from the dead

inì ozū

cemetery; burial ground; burial place

124

ìnìnè

green leaf vegetable, 'green amaranth' (Amaranthus hybridus

Linn.

ìnìne mgbolokō

variety of Amaranthus hybridus

ìnìne mmee

wild or green amaranth (Amaranthus lividus Linn. and A.

viridis Linn.)

ìnìnè ogwū

spring or prickly Amaranth (Amaranthus spinosus Linn.)

inu 1.

bitterness (of taste)

-nu inu

be bitter:

Ọgwū ǹkaà nà-ènu inū This drug is bitter

inu 2.

proverb; parable; riddle:

Inu bù mmanụ e jì èsuli okwū Proverbs are the oil for eating

speech

-kọwa inu

interpret a proverb or parable

-nù inu

propound riddle, proverb

-tụ inu

speak proverb, parable

ìnyègè

appearance of something not seen clearly, either because of

darkness or dazzling light

-fụ ìnyègè

see faintly

-gbu ìnyège ìnyègè

glisten (as water or glass in sun):

Ọ dì ìnyègè, ogè ọ fùlù ya It was very faint when he saw it

inyègeè

fish (Alestes baremose)

ìnyemè

wives (plural of nwunyè)

-chị ìnyemè

marry a number of wives

inyi

dirt(iness)

-lu inyi

be dirty, filthy:

O lù inyi It is dirty

ìnyo

foolishness

okwu īnyo

foolish talk

ìnyòm

female (opp. of ìkòm)

ndị ìnyòm

women; females

ìpètè

moonfish; a general name for fish of the genus Citharinus

ìpètè arịlị

Citharinus distichoides

ìpètè erìrì

Citharinus latus

ìpo

fish (Alestes nurse)

ìpo ànwàlì (=

fish (Alestes leuciscus and Alestes macrolepidotus)

ànwàlì)

ìpopo

(also ìpopo osisi) sapling (= opòpò)

irò

story told in song; fable

akụkọ irò

fable; myth

iru

A. face; front; forward part

iru akā

fore-arm

iru anyanwū

A. sun

B. sky

125

iru ifelē

modesty; blushing

iru igwē

weather; sky

iru mmà

edge (of a knife)

iru naàbò

hypocrite; hypocrisy (lit. with double face):

Nwokē afù bù onye iru naàbò That man is a hypocrite

iru nà àzụ

backwards and forwards; up and down; to and fro

iru nà iru

face to face

iru ọcha

cheerfulness;

Ọ bù mmadù iru ọcha He is a cheerful person

iru ọjọō

bad omen

iru ọma

favour; goodness; good omen

-bo iru

stare at

-chagha(lị) iru

sulk

-che iru

be opposite

-chelịta iru

face; direct gaze against, towards

-che n’iru

present; place before

-do iru

face; turn face to incline towards

egedege irū,

forehead

egenege irū

-fo iru

be open, clear, spacious

-gabulu n’iru

go before

-ga n’iru

go forward; go in front; progress; be progressive

ògàniiru

progress

-gò iru

be coy; hesitate to grant a request which one actually wants to

grant

-gbadùba iru

frown, scowl; make sour face; grimace

-gbalù iru

sulk; scowl; lower (of sky)

-gbasà iru

look cheerful; smile

-ghakpù iru

turn upside down; lie face downwards

-je n’iru

go forward; go in front

-kpù iru

upset; overturn; turn upside down

-menye ifele n’iru

abash (lit. bring shame to one's face)

mkpọchi n’iru

anything fastened on forehead or in front

mkpọniiru

anything fastened on forehead or in front of (something)

n’iru

forward; before (of place)

n’iru òrà

in public; publicly

ǹkè irū kà

A. that to come is greater

B. personal name

ǹkù irū

forehead

-nye iru

face

obodobo irū

broad face

òdìniiru

that which is to come

B. cult of the face, symbolizing one's commanding personality

126

and influence, symbolized by a wooden chalice

ìrùrù mmanụ

water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes Linn.)

ìse 1.

num.

five

ife īse, ife neesè

five things

ìli nà ìse

fifteen

ìse 2.

int.

So be it! Amen! (Ẹdo (Bini))

isi

head; chief; sense; meaning; issue

isi akā

thumb

isi anwūlù

head of tobacco; bunch of prepared tobacco leaves (usually

black tobacco) containing 5 leaves in one head

isi awelē

good luck

isi awō

grey hair

isi egō

unit of six cowries (= èkpète)

isi ikē

stubbornness; bad luck:

O nwèlù isi ike She has bad luck

isi mbido

beginning:

A mà m isi mbido okwū I know the beginning of the case

isi mmīli

source of a stream or river

isi na ọdù

(lit. head and tail) substance, meaning (esp. of speech)

isi njedebe

end, finish:

Ànyị èlugo n’isi njedebe òbòdò afù We have reached the end

of that town

isi nkwọcha

baldness:

O nwè isi nkwọcha He is bald

Isi Ōji

Africa; Africans; Black race

Ndi Isi Ōji

the Africans

Òbòdò Isi Ōji

Africa

isi okwū

meaning of a word or speech:

Ife o kwùlù enwērọ isi What he said makes no sense

isi ọjọō

bad luck

isi ọma

good luck

isi ōwụwa

headache; fever

isi òzàlà

edge of grassland, wilderness

isi ụkwū

big toe

isi ūtabà

head of tobacco

ajō isi

ill luck

akwụkwọ isī

tax; tax receipt, payment (lit. head-paper)

ànì isī

skull of head

-bìkwàsị aka n’isi

confirm (in church confirmation)

-bù isi

be horrible; be horrified

-bulu n’isi

undertake

-bu n’isi

A. be youthful, in one's prime

B. know by heart

127

-bụgodu isi

be first, in the first place

-bụ isi

be first, in the first place

-cha isi awō

turn grey (of originally black hair)

-dụ isi

swear one's innocence by a deity

ejù isī

top of skull

enwē isi

useless

-fufè isi

shake the head

-gbacha isi

trim the hair (of head)

igwu isī

head-louse

ìchàfù isī

head-tie

-kọcha isi

shave

-kọ isi

shave; barb

-kpàcha isi

crop, barb, shave hair

-kpà isi

plait hair

-kpocha isi

cut hair (of head) very low (lit. gather and remove)

-kwàkọ isi nà isi

set people at loggerheads

-kwe n’isi

nod the head

-me isi ikē

be headstrong

-na akwụkwọ isī

pay tax

ndi isī

chiefs; headmen

nkonko isī

the skull

ntùtù isī

hair of head

-nụpù isī

be disobedient; rebel; revolt

-nwe isi

be reasonable; be successful, fruitful

-nwe isi akwụkwọ

be brainy, brilliant (at studies)

-nwe isi awelē

be lucky; have good luck

-nyà isi

boast

ofili isī

pillow

okpokolo isī

A. skull, cranium

B. (fig.) empty-headedness; foolishness

onye isī

head; chief; champion; leader

onye isi òchịchị

head of state:

Yâ bù onye isi òchịchị ndi Fraǹs He is the Head of State of

France

òsusu isī

lock, coil of hair

òti īsi

headache (lit. head-knocker)

òwu isī

black cotton thread used by women for plaiting the hair

ọkìlị mgbawa īsi

very severe chronic headache (= ọyà isī)

òkọ īsi

barber

òkpụ īsi

A. shaver; barber

B. ringworm of the head (tinea capitis):

Òkpụ īsi adīrọ n’isi m#There is no ringworm on my scalp

òkpụ īsi elī ngo

ringworm of the head (tinea capitis) (lit. barber who receives

128

no pay)

ọyà isī

chronic severe headache (= ọkìlị mgbawa īsi)

-pionye isi

push the head in through small opening

-ra isi

comb (hair of head)

-rube isi

incline the head; obey; submit; be loyal to; give respect to

-sù isi n’ànì

fall headlong; throw oneself headlong

-ti isi

butt, knock with head (like fighting man)

isì

scent; smell

-ma isì

smell

-nụ isì

smell; scent

ìsì

blindness

-kpù ìsì

be blind

ndi ìsì

blind people

-sọ ìsì

walk as though blind

ìsiì

num.

six

isò

pillar of house

ukwù isò

base of a pillar of house; pillar of house

ìtè

pot

ìtè Agbāja

very large pot which can hold some 40 gallons of wine for

feasting

ìtè alūsị

charm for protecting the family, kept inside the shrine

ìtè mmānya

pot for wine

ìtè mmīli

water pot

ìtè ofē

soup pot

ìtè ọkū

lamp (= ùtùkpè)

ibelibe ìtè

potsherd

òsi ìtè

A. cook

B. metal cooking tripod

òkpụ ìtè

potter

-si ìtè

cook; boil

ìteghete

see teghete

ìtènaānị

num.

nine (cf. teghete)

itì

wine from base of crown of nkwụ

ìtì

(slang) novice, beginner (at a game, etc.)

iwe

anger

iwe obì

ill-nature; malice

-chekwa iwe

bear malice

-dị iwe

annoy:

Ife o mèlù dì m iwe What he did annoys me

ife iwē

annoying thing

-kpani iwe

provoke to anger

-kpasu iwe

provoke to anger; annoy

mkpasu iwē

spite; provocation

129

-sù iwe

sulk

-we iwe

be annoyed, angry

-wewụsa iwe

be annoyed, angry against

mwewụsa iwē

anger, vexation (with a person, etc.)

ìwòlò

peeled-off skin, slough, of snake

ìwu

law

akwụkwọ īwu

law book

-dị n’ìwu

be forbidden, illegal, forbidden by law

-mà ìwu

make, enact law

-mebì ìwu

commit crime, offence; break law; sin

-ti ìwu

make, enact law

-wu ìwu

make law

ìyàji

dyed cloth

ìyèli

earring

iyī 1.

A. oath; spirit on which oath is sworn

-do iyī

place object(s) like charm or something obnoxious on

property in the belief that the charm will bring evil on a

person who defies the charm and steals the property; protect

an object by a fetish

-gba iyī

bind with an oath; adjure

-ŋụ iyī

take an oath

òŋụŋụ iyī

oath-taking

B. stone or any other article used in oath-taking

C. swearing at (someone); abuse; insult; curse

-kpò iyī

curse; call on oath; abuse:

Ọ kpò m iyī He abused me

iyī 2.

water springing from rock; spring; stream

agụ iyī

crocodile

-chu iyī

go to a spring or stream to draw water

iyì

loss; waste; destruction

-na n’iyì

be useless:

ọ nà n’iyì

He's no use:

Afịa ọ jè nà n’iyì The trade he did was a loss

izìzì

sharpness, tartness (to taste)

-li izìzì

tickle:

Ọ nà-èli izìzì n’ọnū It is sour to his taste

ìzìzì

the first; the beginning

n’ìzìzì

at first

ǹke ìzìzì

first

izù

week

izù afīa

market week of 4 days

izù ụkà

week of 7 days (i.e. of church)

kwà izù

weekly

130

ǹkwe ìzù

one Igbo week; period of 4 days

afịa nkwe ìzù

weekly market (Igbo week)

ìzù

meeting; council; consultation; plot

ìzu nzuzo

secret plot

-gba ìzù

take counsel together; whisper:

Kà ànyị je gba ìzù Let us go and have a consultation

-gbakpò ìzù

plot secretly against someone

-gbakpọ ìzù

consult well about a matter

-kpọ ìzù

call a meeting

Ị

ị, i

pron.

(dependent, 2nd person singular; harmonizes with following

vowel if subject, and with preceding vowel if object or

possessive); you (singular); your (singular:

Ì jèkò èbeē? Where are you going?

Ì pùtago ūla

Good morning (lit. have you come out of the sleeping-room?:

Kèdu kà i mèlù?

How are you?:

Afùlù m ị

I saw you:

ụnò ị

your house:

ǹkè i

yours

ị-, i-

pref.

(harmonizes with vowel of verb root) (marks infinitive):

ijē

to go:

ịbà

to enter

ịbà

fever (general term, cf. akòm)

ịbà mmānụ

jaundice accompanied by pronounced coloration of the eye-

balls, fingernails and sometimes skin

ịbā ògùlù

jaundice

ịbà ojiī

malaria; jaundice without yellow coloration of eyeballs and

fingernails

ịbà ọcha

yellow jaundice (= ịbà mmānụ)

ịbà ukwù anyā

hepatitis

ìba

branch (cf. anakā)

ìbà 1.

ancestral house, typical of Onitsha and corresponding to the

òbi of other areas. It is constructed around a rectangular open-

air courtyard, one end of which leads to the ùkpò or throne of

the household head and the other to the entrance, beyond

which is an open meeting-place (ọnụ ìbà). All rooms are

within coursed mud walls (Henderson 1972: 167)

àda ìbà

A. daughter of the family

B. female name

ìbà 2.

unpounded garri

131

ìbùọ, ìbùa, àbùa

num.

(counting form); naàbò (qualifying form) two

èfifìè naàbò, efìfìè

noonday

naàbò

ètitì naàbò

the middle, centre

ibe naàbò

two pieces

iru naàbò

hypocrite; hypocrisy (lit. with double face)

-kwu ọnụ naàbò

speak hypocritically

mmaji naàbò

two-fold

ǹke àbùa, ìbùọ

second

ọgụ ìbùa, àbùa

forty

òkàla naàbò

two halves

ùgbòlò naàbò

twice; two times

ụmù naàbò

twins

ìchàfù

headtie; handkerchief

ìchàfù isī

headtie

-sùlụ ìchàfù n’isi

put on headtie

ịchō

the board game, mancala, warri, game like Yoruba ayo:

Kà ànyị sụa ịchō Let's play ịchō (cf. ǹchòkòtò)

ịfe

see ife

ịfelē

see ifelē

ịfùlịfū

scrap; morsel

ịfùlụfū àgwà

pod of beans

ịfùlìfù, ọfùlìfǔ

"up-wine" from crown of oil-palm

ịfūnàanya

love; liking; fondness (see -fụ 1.)

ịgà

fetters; handcuffs

-kù ịgà

put in fetters; handcuff

ìgọlọ

shin

ìgbà 1.

drum (general name)

ìgba ègèdè

drum in pairs, used by dibìà

ìgbà ijelè

drum or music for the ijelè masquerade

ìgbà ogwè

tall standing drum used to play abìà music

ìgbà 2.

used in:

ìgbà akā

an arm-band of skin worn on the upper arm at funerals; a

similar arm-band, but made of iron, used as a charm against

bullets

ìgbàdikē

type of dance with masquerade

ịjaàrì

a general name for fish of the family Schilbeidae (= ideèlè)

ìkòlịìkò

used in:

onye ìkòlịìkò

one melancholy or slightly mad

ìkpa

rascality:

Ọ nà-ème īkpa He is a born rascal

ìkpà

used in:

-ti ìkpà

box; strike with fist

132

ịkpàkele

ground corn mixed with oil condiments, and fried

ịkpàkpaà

a food produced from maize

ìkpata

used in:

ìkpata ụkwū

hoof

ìnọ, ànọ

num.

(counting form); naanō, naanò (qualifying form) four

ife naanō

four things

ọgụ īnọ

eighty

ìnyàǹga

parade; bluff; showing-off

ìnyìnyà, ànyìnyà

horse

ìnyìnyà ibū

ass

ìŋàrịì

millet:

Ìŋàrịì bù nwannē mkpụlụ ajā Millet grains are as small as a

grain of sand

ìsaà, àsaà

num.

seven (counting form); naasāà (qualifying form):

Chìtalụ m#òlòma naasāà Bring me seven oranges

ǹke īsaà

the seventh; seventh:

Ànyị gà-àna ụnò n’ọnwa ǹke īsaà We shall go home in the

seventh month

ọnwa īsaà

seven months; seventh month (July):

Ọ gà-àbịa n’ọnwa īsaà He will come in the seventh month

ìsatō, àsatō

num.

eight, eighth (counting form); naasātọ (qualifying form):

Ọ dì ji naasātọ n’ime ǹkàtà There are eight yams in the

basket

ǹke īsatọ

the eighth:

Èjìmâ bù onye ǹke īsatọ Ejima is the eighth person, or Ejima

is in the eighth position

ọnwa āsatọ

eighth month:

Ọ nwùlù n’ọnwa āsatọ He died in the eighth month

ìsha

shrimp; crayfish

ịta

used in:

-ta ịta

win stakes in a game

ịtà

act of pointing out guilty person by native doctor

-tà ịtà

bear witness (usu. of native doctor pointing out guilty person)

onye ịtà

someone who gives evidence of harm done by sorcery

ìtàlì

cane (for thrashing)

-pịa ìtàlì

flog with whip; whip; chastise

ìtọ

num.

three (counting form)

naātọ

(normal qualifying form)

ndùdùgandū ǹke

third generation

ītọ

ìwàlàgàdà

used in:

ìwàlàgàdà ụkwū

disease around groin

ìyaà, ìyaa

int.

exclamation of assent or pleasure; very good! excellent! fine!

133

-ja +

v.:

-ja ike

praise

jà

cut:

Òkeēke wèe jàa onye orī mmà Then Okeeke cut the thief

with a matchet

-je 1.

go; walk

òjije

going; walking

-je agha

go to war; be recruited into army

-jechi anya

be punctual

-jedebe

stop walking; end a journey

njedebe

end; finish; terminus

isi njedebe

end; finish

-jedèbe

go near

-jedide

keep going on

-jefù

go astray; err; get lost when walking, travelling

-jegbu

denounce; betray

-jeghalị

walk about

-je ijè

walk; go on a journey

-jekọ

meet; encounter; walk together

-jekwudo

catch up and overtake

-jekwulu

go to someone

-jelu

reach, go up to (a particular point, place)

-jemì

go far in

-je n’iru

go forward; go in front

-je ozi

go with a message; serve; do housework

-je òfụma

go well

-je ọkù

go fishing

-jerube

go round

-jerụka

go aside; go a little way

jè si ikē

salutation to one starting on a journey

-jesò

follow; follow after

-jeta

gain:

O jètà ife He gained something

-jetè aka

go far away

-jezù

go all over; go throughout

-gba ǹje

run to and from; be going to and from a place (including the

world of spirits)

njefìè

error; trespass

ǹjèm

travelling; travel

134

ǹjèǹjè

travel; walking about

òjije

outwards (of a journey)

-je + 2.

wear

-jelụ akwà

put on clothes; gird

-jepù

untie (wrapper)

ji 1.

yam (Dioscorea spp. Linn.)

ji àbànà

wateryam (Dioscorea alata Linn.)

ji ābị

(Dioscorea praehensilis Benth.) yam cultivar which never

grows to a very great size, of inferior quality

ji nwa nnùnù

sweet potato

ji okō

plantain

ji òkù

a variety of Yellow Guinea Yam (cf. ji òyìbò)

ji òyìbè, òyìbò

Yellow Guinea Yam (Dioscorea cayenensis Lam.)

ji ọfụū

new yam

ji ukòm

White Guinea Yam (Dioscorea cayenensis rotundata Poir.),

fat and of high quality; features in feasts

akpū ji, akpǔ jī

second yam for re-planting

di jī

farmer; one who successfully cultivates much ground

-fụ ji

peel yam (usually cooked one)

-gba ji

train yams along short sticks

-ke ome jī

break off premature yam shoots

-kpacha ji

scrape yam (usu. roasted one)

-kpà ji

stack yams (in the barn)

-kwacha ji

cut off roots of yam

mkpụlū jī

small yam (see mkpụlù)

ogè ịwā ji

annual yam festival

ọdū jī

tail end of yam

-sụ ji

pound yam

-tù ji

dig up yams for storing

ùfìè ji ọkū

sacrifice, feast before eating new yams (cf. Ìfèjiọkū)

ùkpa jī

basketful of yam

-wa ji

hold annual religious New Yam Festival

òwụwa jī (cf. ịwā

New Yam Festival

ji)

-ji 2.

break; snap:

Mkpọ afù èjigo

The walking-stick has broken

òjiji

breaking; snapping

-ji + 3.

A. be dark (of day)

(chi) -jibìdo

benighted:

Chî jibìdòlù ànyị n’ụzò We were benighted on the way

-jimì

be very dark

Chi èjimìgo

It is the dead of night (cf. Chi èjigo Night has fallen (about 8 -

10 p.m.))

135

B. be black, dark (of colour)

-ji eji

be ripe (esp. of ùbe)

-ji ǹji

be black, dark

-ji oji

be black, dark-coloured

ife nsiji

dye

-ji + 4.

dress

-ji ejiji

adorn; dress; equip

-jikwa

dress properly; get ready

-jì

take; hold; use

-jì aka

expect; hope; be confident:

Ejì m aka nà ị gà-àbịa I hope you will come

-jìde

hold; grasp

-jìkelụ

prepare; make ready

-jìkọ aka

join hands in marriage

-jìkọta

join together

njìkọ(ta)

joining together

-jìkọta ọnū

A. join together

B. maintain discipline

-jì nchèkwube

have confidence; be confident; hope

-jì òfọ

be in the right; be innocent

-jì ọsọ

rush:

Ejì m ọsọ wèe bịa ebe à I rushed to get here

-jìpù aka

be disappointed:

O jipù m aka I was badly disappointed

-jì ụgwō

owe; be in debt

ya kà

jì

for that reason; so; therefore:

Adâ kwùlù ezi okwū ya kà m jì gbaghàlụ yā Ada spoke the

truth, that is why I forgave her

-ji-de

see -gi-do

-jìgìda

beads worn round waist by women for ornament (H. jìgìdaa)

-jì-jè

mimic; mock (= -zì-zò)

njijè

mimicry; mockery

-jọ + 1.

v.:

-jọ njọ

be bad, wicked, evil, ugly; refuse to share (esp. food):

Nwatā à àna àjọka njō This child always refuses to share his

food

-jọ 2.

fear

-jọ ụjō

fear; be afraid; be cowardly, timid (less common than -tụ

egwù)

-jọ ụjọ akwụkwọ

play truant:

Onye nkuzi àyị jòlù ụjọ akwụkwọ n’ogè ọ dì nà nwatà Our

teacher played truant when he was a child

-ju

be full; fill

136

òjuju

being full

-ju afọ

be satisfied, satisfy:

Okwu à ejūrọ m afọ I am not satisfied with this case

(statement)

-ju aka

be plentiful

-ju anya

surprise; be admired; astonish:

O jù m anya It astonished me

-ju eju

fill; be full:

O jù èju It is full:

Chùjue ìtè afù Fill that pot with water

-jupùta

be full (up)

-jupùta n’ọnū

be full to the brim:

Ìtè afù jupùtàlù n’ọnū The pot is full to the brim

-jụ 1.

ask

òjụjụ

asking

-jụ ajùjụ

ask question

-jụ àsè, èsè

inquire, ask about:

Ajù m àsè i I asked about you

-jụ òrà

ask after welfare:

Anà m àjụ màkà òrà I'm asking about the welfare of the

people

-jụpùta

ascertain; find out

ajùjụ

a question

-jụ 2.

refuse; reject:

Ọ jūgo ndi enyì ya He has given up his friends

òjụjụ

refusing; rejecting

-jụ àjụ

refuse:

Ajù m fà àjụ I refused them

-jụ + 3.

be cool, calm

-jụ àrụ

purify by sacrifice

-jụnata

become cool (e.g. of food)

-jụ oyī

be cold, cheerless, miserable, deserted, disheartened:

Àrụ jùlù ya oyī

He is cold, miserable

-jù + 1.

v.:

-jù àrụ

propitiate a deity for a broken taboo

-jù + 2.

v.:

-jù ọnū

draw out someone for information

jùù

quiet

-dị jùù

be quiet, calm:

Ebe à dì jùù This place is calm:

Ogè ọ bàtàlù ebe niīne dì jùù When he entered, every place

was quiet

137

-ka 1.

surpass; exceed; be more than; be superior to:

Ìnọ kà ìtọ Four is more than three:

Ọ kà m n’ọkwa He is senior to me:

Ọ kà m ogonogo He is taller than me:

Uchè ya kà afò ya He is advanced (in intelligence) for his age

òkịka

surpassing; being bigger than

-ka aka

be greater, stronger (than)

-kachasị

surpass entirely; be pre-eminent

-kalị

be more (than); surpass; excell

-ka mmā

be better than:

Ùdo kà agha mmā Peace is better than war:

Ọnwụ kà ife ifelē mmā Death is better than dishonour

-kasị

be greatest

-kasị akasị

be pre-eminent

aka ịkā aka

be stronger than (lit. hand to be greater than hand)

-ka 2.

be hard, strong, firm, dry, mature, ripe (in firmness; contrast)

-cha

be ripe as shown by change of colour) (of yam, cassava, corn,

coconut); (fig.) be bold, brave, determined

-ka aka

be hard, ripe, firm

-ka anya

be bold, confident

-ka àrụ

be strong, fearless, headstrong

-kaba àrụ

try hard; strive

-kachi ntì

be stubborn, wilful, disobedient

-ka obì

be bold, brave, determined:

Ọ bù sòọsò ndi kālụ obì nà-èje ebe a nà-enì ozū n’anyàsì

Only bold people visit the cemetery at night:

Ọ bụlụ nà ọ kaa gī obì, sòlụ fā jèbe If you are determined,

go with them

-kasì obì

comfort (usually a bereaved person)

nkasì obì

comfort; consolation

-kata àrụ

be headstrong

-ka 3.

be old, worn out, torn, rent, tattered; hence, apart, asunder (as

result of tearing or cutting)

-ka nka

tear; decay; grow old; wear out:

ụnò kalụ nka

thatched house which is leaking as a result of the mats being

spoilt:

Nnā Īlo àkago nkā Ilo's father has grown old

-kakpọ

wear thin (of cloth)

-bèka

cut asunder

-bìka

cut asunder

138

-dọka

be torn (by pulling); tear

-sèka

tear by pulling

-sèkapù

break off by pulling:

Ọ chò isēkàpù òfu aka ewī She wants to tear off one foreleg

of the giant rat

-sèkasị

tear off into pieces

-taka

spoil by biting (as of ants or termites destroying articles of

(clothing):

Àkịkà àtakago àfè m zùtàlù ǹnyàafù The termites have

destroyed the garment I bought yesterday

-ka 4.

be stupid, foolish

-kaghè

talk, act foolishly

-kakwù

be stupid, foolish:

Ị nà-àkakwū akakwù You are being stupid

nkakwù

stupidity; foolishness

-ka + 5.

v.:

-ka(ta) àrụ

be of age, full-grown, developed

-kanite àrụ

increase in stature; be mature

-ka 6.

aux. v.

marks the negative perfect and the unfulfilled verb forms:

Chikē akà ègorọ jī Chike has not bought yams (negative

perfect):

Chikē àka na-ègo jī Chike should (habitually) be buying

yams (but he is not doing so) (unfulfilled):

Mmilī àka èzògo Rain should have fallen (but it didn’t)

kà 1.

conj.

that; as; as if to say; when; while; like:

Kà azị What then?

Kà m je Let me go

Kà chi fo

goodnight (lit. let the day break)

Kà (chi) bòọ

goodnight (this is used as a reply to kà chi fo):

kà...kà

both…and:

kà nwokē kà

both men and women (= mà...mà)

nwaànyì

Ǹgwụlō kà ị bù You are a powerless person (incapable of

doing anything):

Nwokē afù bìàlù kà m nà-èsi nnī The man came when I was

cooking:

Ò gịnī kà ị nà-èle? What is it that you are selling?

kà ò bù

or; nor

kà o si nà dị

nevertheless; yet; notwithstanding

kà

rà

all; as many as; as much as; every single one; entirely:

Onye nkụzî pìàgbàdòlù ụmù akwụkwọ yā ìtàlì, kà fa niīne

rà The teacher flogged all his pupils, every single one of

them:

139

Achòlù m ịfū ndị egwū niīne kà fa rà I want to see all the

dancers (none to be left out)

Achòlù m kà ànyị rà je I want all of us to go

kà

wèe

in order that; so that:

Dètalụ m#akwụkwọ kà m wèe malụ nà ị nālugo Write to me

so that I may know you have arrived

kèemesịa

goodbye (lit. let it be till then)

kòọ (= kà ọ) dì

the present:

nwọò

etu m dì kà m dì nwọò in my present (great) position

ya kà

jì

for that reason; so; therefore:

Èkê dì mkpụmkpụ ya kà e jì jụ iwè yà n’ọlụ àfè ojiī Eke is

short; that is why he was not recruited into the police

-kà 2.

guess

-kà àkà

guess

-kàfìè

guess wrongly

-kàta

guess correctly

-kà 3.

(make a) mark; fix; appoint

òkìkà

ceremony

òkìkà manya

ceremonial drinking

-kà àgbà

make arrangement (for meeting)

-kà akàlà

draw a line, mark

-kàcha

erase; cancel

-kàchapù

cancel out

-kàgha

fix again; adjourn; postpone

-kàghalị

re-fix; postpone

-kà nzū

mark with chalk on ground

-kànye

vaccinate; inoculate

-kà 4.

speak; say

-kà ụkà

hold divine service; converse; quarrel

-kà 5.

afflict; torment; worry:

Akwa ọ nà-èbe nà-akā m#arụ Her crying is worrying me (i.e.

making me uncomfortable)

kaì!

int.

my word! goodness! (= paì!)

kalama, kalamam

bottle

kamà

conj.

rather than; lest; but rather (after negative); instead of; even if

(cf. tụmà):

Kamà m gà-ème ife à m nwụa I would rather die than do

this:

Agà m èje òkìkà afù kamà àgarō m èli ife ọbụnà I shall

attend the party, but I shall not take anything:

Bàa n’ime ụnò kamà ị kwūlụ nà mmīli Enter the house

instead of standing in the rain:

140

Ànyị gà-àbịa, kamà ànyị àghàlụ ilī ife We shall come even

if we do not eat (there)/We must come, even if it means

missing our food

-kàta

ext. suff. 4.

so much...that; to such an extent...that:

Aŋūkàtà m mmanya n’ebe ànyị jè àgbàmakwụkwọ

ǹnyàafù ò fọ nwantịntị afọ m#gbawaa I drank so much at a

wedding yesterday that I almost burst:

Ọ bụlụ nà òdìbò gî nwè ntì ikē i kwukàta okwū ìke agwụ gī

If your servant is stubborn you will be worn out with talking:

O kwūkàtàlù okwu àkpịlī gùa yā He talked so much that he

became hoarse

-ke 1.

tie

òkike

tying

-ke agbụ

bind

-kebe

get ready

-kedo

prepare; tie on with rope:

O jì ùdò wèe kedo jī He used a rope to tie up the yams (cf. -

fiedo)

Kèdo akpàtì afù n’enu motò Tie that box on the car

-kedosi ike

tighten

-ke ekike

dress; adorn:

O kèlù ekike ndi aghā He is dressed as a soldier

-ke imē

cause abortion

-kekọta

join together

-kekù

coil; coiling

nkekù

coil; coiling

-kekpù

tie in a knot

-kekwa

re-tie

-kelụ

prepare

-ke ome jī

break off premature yam shoots

-ke ọbā

bind yams in barn

-kesi ike

tie strongly

-ke ùdò

tie with rope, cord, etc.

anwụlū, ùtabā

tied or rolled tobacco; bits of such tobacco retailed in small

èkèlèke

amounts

-ke 2.

shine; glitter

Ọkụ dī n’ụnò enū nà-èke kà kpakpaǹdò The lantern in the

storey house is glittering like a star:

Òkwutē afù nà-ègbuke kà goòlù The stone is glittering like

gold

-kè 1.

share; divide

òkìkè

sharing; dividing

-kè ekpē

make a will

141

-kè ikpe

give judgement

-kè ìbùọ

divide into two; bisect

-kèji

divide into two

nkèji

division; division into two halves

nkèji ụkwū

ankle

-kèlụ

take one's share

-kèlụ okè, òkè

take a share

-kèmù

divide into small pieces

-kènye

give a share

-kè okwu

give judgement; settle a dispute

-kèpù

divide out; separate from

-kèrà

divide equally

nkerà

division; sharing into equal parts

-kèsà

distribute; divide among

-kèta

take a share; inherit:

Ekètàlù mụ òfu ànì obì mgbè nna āyị nwùlù I inherited a

plot of land when our father died

nkèta

sharing; inheritance

ife nkèta

inheritance

onye nkèta

inheritor

-kèta òkè

take a share (and bring back)

-kèwa

divide off; separate

-kèwalụ

secede

-kèwapù

separate from

-kèwò

deny a person a share

-kè (èkè) 2.

create

òkìkè

creating; creation:

Chukwû kèlù ùwà God created the world

-kè- 3.

give (daughter) in marriage; betroth

-kèbe

betroth:

Ọ kèbè m àda yā He betrothed his daughter to me, or He

gave me his first daughter in marriage

-kèli

A. betroth daughter to a man irregularly by going to bargain

with him instead of waiting until the girl is asked for

B. give (daughter) in marriage

kèdu, kèdụ

int.

how? which?

Kèdụ kà i mèlù? How are you?

kèdụ azị

how then?

kèdụ ebe?

where?

kèdụ èkpè?

when?

kèdụ ife?

what? which thing?

kèdụ mgbè?

when? (lit. which time?)

kèdụ ǹkè

which?

142

kèdụ ogè?

when? (lit. which time?)

kèdụ onye?

who? which person?

kèdụ uchè i?

what is your opinion?

kèdu zi, kèe zi

how then?

-kè-ne

greet; thank

-kè-ta

ext. suff. 1.

near(er)

-jekèta

go near, nearer:

Jekèta yā nso Go near him

-kpụkèta

draw near, nearer:

Kpụkèta akpàtì afù Go up to that box, or, Draw that box

nearer

-kì-li

look at; gaze at; witness; watch

-kì-li

ext. suff. 1.

about; up and down (always with -gba)

-gbakìli ànì go about; go or move about hesitantly, worriedly,

at random:

Motō ì kà esò je afīa enupùgo ebe ị nà-àgbakìli ànì The

lorry you were to have taken to the market has left while you

were busy fussing about

kịlịkịlị

tiny size:

Ọ kùtà ụmù kịlịkịlị azù He caught tiny fish

-dị kịlịkịlị

be very tiny, small:

Achòlù m àgwa dī kịlịkịlị I want small beans

egō kịlịkịlị

coins

kìlịkìlịkìlị

int.

word used by children when trying to count stars at night;

each number is preceded by this word, and they try to count as

far as possible on one breath

kịtāà

now

azì kịtāà

youth of nowadays

kịtịkpā

smallpox

-ko 1.

A. hang

-kobe

hang something on; spread out to dry; confer, bestow

-kobe èbùbè

honour (lit. "hang honour on")

-kokwàsị

hang upon (as a snake)

-kokwàsị akwà

wrap a cloth about the body

-kolu

remove from where hanging:

Kòlu yā ebe à Remove it from here (where you left it

hanging)

-kopù

remove from where hanging:

Kopù ya ebe à Remove it from here (where it is wrongly

hanging)

B. be arrested and suspended in fall

-ko 2.

used in:

-kolu

prepare

143

-koni

start; set out

-kò + 1.

swell; distend; bulge

òkùkò

swelling; distending; bulging

-kò afọ

distend abdomen;

Nni ǹkaà nà-ekò afō This food is stodgy

-kò èkò

A. writhe; bubble; froth; ferment

B. distend; swell; bulge

-kò ònùmà

be angry; swell with anger

-kò ukò

put on airs; show off; be lavish in hospitality; puff oneself up

-kò 2.

hook; take with a hook

-kòdo

catch; entangle; be entangled

-kò èkò

creep; climb (of plants)

-kòni enū

hang up (on hook)

-kò okwu

(fig.) cause trouble; invite quarrel, dispute (usually

deliberately); assault

kòso

see òkòso

-kọ 1.

tell; relate; guess

òkụkọ

telling, relating; guessing

-kọ akụkọ

tell a story; give news

-kọcha

defame; revile; curse (= -kọ ọnū)

nkọcha

defamation; reviling; curse

-kọ ọnụ

quarrel; abuse; revile (= -kọcha)

Àda nà Ǹkwọọma nà-àkọ ọnū Ada and Nkwọọma are

quarrelling:

Àdâ jì nnwa Ǹkwọọma āmụtārọ àkọ yā ọnụ; o lofùgo nà ọ

bù Chukwu nà-ezìta nwā Ada has been taunting Nkwọọma

with her childlessness; she has forgotton it is God who sends

children

-kọsà

reveal; declare:

Ọ kōsàgo ife m gwàlù ya He has revealed what I told him

-kọwa

explain; introduce:

Kòwalụ m#ọnye ọ bù Introduce him to me

-kọwa inu

interpret a proverb or parable

-kọwa òdìnàànì

explain and set up new codes of ritual and political behaviour

(esp. of Nri man)

-kọ + 2.

scratch

-kọcha isi

shave head

-kọfịa

rub skin off hand

-kọ isi

shave head; barb

òkọ īsi

barber

-kọ ọkọ

scratch; itch

-kọ 3.

be dry

-kọ akọ

dry

144

mgbè ọkōchì

dry season

-kọ 4.

be scarce, no longer obtainable:

Ego kòlù m I am short of money

-kọ ùkọ

be scarce

-kọ + 5.

v.:

-kọ nsi, -kọ ọgwù

practise sorcery against

-kọ 6.

ext. suff. 1.

together (in company with); joining (cf. -kò, where

convergence, sometimes to the point of deformity, is stressed)

-dụkọ

sew together

-gakọ

bring together with thread (e.g. beads):

Ọ nà-àgakọ jìgìda She is threading the waistbeads together:

Ànyị nà-àchọ ịgbākọ mmilī màkà echi We want to draw

water into a large container for tomorrow (lit. fetch water

together)

-jekọ

meet, walk together

-kọ 7.

ext. suff. 1

all; altogether

-chịkọta

gather and bring a whole number

-gokọlụ

buy all

-kpọkọlụ

dry up completely

-kọ 8.

infl. suff.

present action; en route to:

Ejèkò m afịa I'm going to market

-kò 1.

plant (tubers)

-kò ugbō

make a farm

-kò 2.

ext. suff. 1.

together (i.e. converging) (cf. -kọ, where unity is stressed):

Ọ nyākòlù mkpọ igwè m He bent my steel walking stick:

Ọ nyākòlù ìko m#He pressed the edges of my cup together

-gbakòba

come together:

Ndi mmādù àgbakòbago The people have come together

-nọkòba

sit together:

Achò m kà ụnù nọkòba ọnū I want you to sit together

-tụkòba

heap together

kọbò, kọpò, kobo

penny (E. copper)

kọmkọm

an old type of money

kòọ dì nwọò

see kà

kọtùma

court messenger (E.)

ndị kọtùma

court messengers

Kraìst

Christ

onye òtuū Kraìst

a Christian

òtuū Kraìst

Christianity

-ku + 1.

scoop up and carry liquid

-ku eku

scoop; ladle

-ku mmilī

scoop water out of a vessel

-kunye mmilī

bring water:

145

Kùnye m#mmilī Give me water

-ku ofe

scoop up soup

-kute mmilī

fetch water in a vessel

-ku 2.

see -kwu 3.

-kù 1.

blow (of wind); fan; breathe

òkùkù

blowing; fanning; breathing

-kù àkùpè

fan

-kùdebe ume

stop breathing

-kùfè

moving rapidly past, creating a current of air

-kùfè èkufè

pass away; blow over as the wind

-kù n’anya n’anya

pant:

Ọ gbàlù ọsọ, wèe na-ekù n’anya n’anya He ran and started

panting

-kùpù ume

faint; be faint

-kù ume

breathe

-kùbì ume

cease to breathe; die

ǹkù

wing

òkùkù ume

lung (human)

-kù- 2.

carry

-kùbàta

bring in (esp. of small child)

Kubàta nnwa n’ụnò Bring the child into the house

-kùchi nwunyè

take the wife of a dead relation

-kùdà

bring down

-kù n’aka

nurse; hold in the arms

-kùni

lift up; rise; get up:

O kùnigo! He is risen:

Ọ nà-èje ikùnì nwa dālụ adà She is going to pick up the

child who has fallen down

-kù n’obì

hold at the breast; carry in the bosom

-kupùte, -kupùta

present child at naming ceremony

-kù 3.

call (cf. -kpọ)

-kù mmụō

invite masquerader to a place (e.g. funeral)

-tikù

call upon

kukuǹdùku

sweet potato

-ku-zi

teach

nkuzi

teaching

onye nkuzi

teacher; instructor

òzùzù nkuzi

teacher training

-kụ 1.

plant (seeds)

òkụkụ

planting; time for planting:

Agà m àbịa n’òkụkụ ọkà I shall come during the maize-

planting season

-kụ ọkà

plant maize

146

ife ōkụkụ

anything to be planted

-kụ 2.

knock; strike; ring (a bell)

òkụkụ

knocking; striking; ringing

-kụ aka

clap hands

-kụji

break into parts

-kụkọlịta

collide

nkụkọlịta

collision

-kụkpọ

break; smash (e.g. egg); break down

-kụlì

break into pieces

-kụ mgbịlịgba

ring a bell

-kụ òfọ

knock òfọ on the ground (of a priest in giving judgement)

-kụ òkpọ

knock the head with the knuckles; box

-kụpịa

smash into pieces

-kụpù

knock off

-kụpù aka

fail; give up

-kụsịsị aka

Ife à kùsìsìlì ya aka This thing discouraged him

òkụ òkpòkpò

influenza

-kụ 3.

mix

-kụ mmanya

mix wine

-kụ nsị

mix poison; practise sorcery

-kụ ọgwù

mix medicine

-kụ 4.

ext. suff. 1 upon; to; against

-dàkụlụ

fall against

-takụ

stick to

-kù 1.

hook

-kù azù

catch fish; fish with hook:

Afùlù m ndi nā-akù azù na mmili Ōbosi I saw some people

fishing in Obosi river, or I saw some fishermen in Obosi river

-kù ịgà

put in fetters; handcuff

-kù ǹgwụlō

sit cross-legged

azū mgbaàkùlù dried fish which is rolled up with a stick

through it:

Nwannē m nwaànyì nà-èle azū mgbaàkùlù My sister sells

mgbaàkùlù fish

-kù 2.

bring into use, esp. for food production; cultivate land; tend

livestock

-kù nni

supply with food; cultivate:

Ò gịnī kà ị nà-èje imē n’ubì n’ùtụtū à? Anà m èje ịkù nni

What are you going to do in the farm this morning? I am

going to cultivate some crops

-kù ọkù

tend, keep livestock:

Ịkù ọkù bù ezigbọ ọlū Keeping livestock is a good hobby

-kù + 3.

v.:

147

-kù àkùkù

use slang word

-kù 4.

ext. suff. 1

used in:

-gbakùta àzụ

turn the back on

-makù

press to one's body; embrace

-makùta

embrace completely

-kụ-ja

start; be startled

nkụjà

a start, shock

-kụ-ta

ext. suff. (= -kụ 4.

completely

(?) + -ta 5. D.)

-gbakụta

contest all

-kwukụta

say all

-makụta

know all

-nụkụta

hear all

-sàkụta

reply to all

KP.

-kpa 1.

move with an instrument; propel; hence, in a more abstract

sense, cause

òkpụkpa

propelling

-kpa aka ànì

be mischievous; play tricks

-kpa akpa

pick with an instrument

-kpa amụ

cause laughter:

Ọ kpàlù amụ He made a joke:

O jì m àkpa amụ He’s making fun of me

-kpa bọòlù

dribble a ball

-kpacha

scrape (e.g. roasted yam); make neat

-kpacha anya

do something purposely

-kpacha ji

scrape yam

-kpachalụ anya

be careful, warned, cautious; beware; take heed (clear the

eyes)

-kpachapù = -

kpapù

-kpachapù anya

take care; be careful, vigilant

-kpachapùta

bring out with an instrument; to pick out, expose, bring out by

scraping

-kpalàchi

be spread, strewn upon

-kpani

A. raise, lift up (with instrument)

B. (fig.) stir up; provoke; incite

-kpani iwe

provoke to anger:

Bikō akpānikwona m iwe Please do not anger me

-kpanye

make a small present; give a tip:

gịnị kà ị kpānyelụ nwatā biCalụ kène giC? What did you

give the child who visited you?

-kpa okè

make boundary; move (objects) aside to show demarcation

òkpụkpa ànì

making of boundary

-kpa oke ànì

make boundary between lands

-kpa ọchì

cause laughter:

Ife o kwùlù kpàlù ọchì His remark gave rise to laughter

148

-kpa ọkụ

strike a match; turn on a light

mkpa ọ kụ, mkpa

matches

nókụ

-kpapù

shove off; brush off; set aside (normally with instrument);

pick out (with stick) and remove; push open by force, press

open (e.g. burst door open); push off (e.g. three persons lying

on a bed, one of them being pushed off as a result of the

others being selfish. The pushing is not done by the hand but

by the body):

Bikō, kpapù alịlị afù ìlo Please take that millipede outside;

(fig.) push out (e.g. if one person is forced to leave house

where he was living with others)

-kpasà

scatter (with some care); spread out (e.g. grains in sun, partly

burnt firewood)

-kpasàpù

spread wide open

-kpasu

disturb; trouble; provoke

mkpasu

excitement; provocation

-kpasu iwe

provoke to anger; annoy:

Àsị yā nà-àkpasu m iwe His lies make me angry, or I am

indignant at his lies:

Àda kpàsùlù nne yā iwe Ada annoyed her mother:

ÒC bù gịnị kpàtàlù i jì gbakà iru#n’ùtụtù? Ọ bù Àdâ

kpàsùlù m iwe Why did you frown in the morning? It was

Ada who annoyed me

mkpasu iwe

provocation

-kpata

cause:

Ọ bù gqị kpàtàlù ife e jì pịa m ìtàlì n’ùtụtụ à You were

the cause of my being flogged this morning

-kpatụ

rustle

mkpatụ

rustling

(agwù) -kpa

be mildly mentally deranged

(ala) -kpa

be mad (lit. be moved by madness):

Òòala nà-àkpa ī? Are you mad?

-kpa 2.

gather; search for

-kpa afịfịa

collect herbs

-kpa akụ

search for palm-kernels in the farm (usu. by children):

Ụmù akā èjego ịkpā akụ The children have gone in search of

kernels

mkpa akụ the search for kernels

play a board game like draughts:

Bìa sòlu m kpàa

Come and play a (board) game with me

akụ

-kpakọ

gather; collect

-kpakọbà

gather together into; heap up

-kpakọnye

gather and give or put into

-kpakọta

gather, collect (from different points but same area, e.g. farm)

and bring:

Achòlù m kà ụnù jee kpakọta nkụ I want you (pl.) to go

and fetch firewood

-kpa mkpa

seek diligently; search for carefully e.g. -kpa mkpa akụ

search for palm kernels in the farm (usu. by children)

-kpa nkụ

gather firewood

149

-kpa nni

(of animals) wander about in farm, forest, etc., in search of

food

-kpata

acquire; collect

-kpata àkù

amass wealth

-kpata egō

acquire money

pluck (leaves from plant)

-kpa akwụkwọ

collect, pluck leaves (e.g. as herbalist)

-kpa 3. +

walk; move; (of humans) wander, walk about; (of animals)

wander about

-kpa àgwà

behave (usually in a bad sense)

-kpa àgwà ọjọọ

behave badly

-kpa ajọ ụkpa

make bad or disagreeable friendship (e.g. as when a person is

intimate with another person whose morality and ways are bad

or questionable); walk with criminals or suspects; keep bad

company

-kpabàta

walk, wander in(to)

-kpafù

go astray; stray and get lost

mkpafùli

negligence; going astray

-kpago

walk up; stray up

-kpaghalị

a walk about; stroll; wander about

-kpakọ

walk together (of friends)

mkpakọ

intercourse

-kpakwudo, -

encounter each other suddenly; overtake

kpakwụdo

-kpanarị

forsake; leave behind

-kpa ndu

walk together; be companions; escort

-kpapù

go out for a walk

-kpa ùkpa

be friends, companions

-kpa ùkpa oriì

be friends with a thief or thieves

òkpa nnakā ya,

person who is fond of going alone, who is never found going

òkpa nnịkā ya

anywhere in company of friends; solitary person

ùkpa

a walk; friendship; communion

-kpa 4. +

speak

-kpa aghalā

cause disturbance

-kpa amụ

jest; trifle; amuse

-kpagozi

teach

-kpalị

insult; show disrespect to

mkpalị

an insult

-kpa n gàn gà

joke; be boastful

-kpa nkàta

talk; converse; chat:

Bikō nye mụ nà Ibè efè níme ụnò ụlā màkà nà ànyiCchòlù

ịkpā nkàta nébe afù Please leave the room for Ibe and

myself, for we want to chat there

-kpazi

show; teach; direct

kpa 5. +

buy (oil)

-kpa manụ

buy oil

rub oneself with something greasy

-kpa ùde

rub on pomade, grease, ointment, cream

-kpa 6.

rear (child, animals):

Akpà m mkpà n’aka I am nursing a baby

-kpa ife enunu

keep livestock

-kpa +

v.:

-kpa mkpa

be few; scarce

150

kpakalakpakala

used in:

-me

be cranky and noisy (refers esp. to noise made by an old

kpakalakpakala

bicycle)

-kpà 1.

press together (in order to break or close up)

òkpùkpà

suppression; compression

-kpà àkpà = -kpà

be narrow, tight, pressed together, choked, crowded; restrict;

mkpà

oppress; ill-treat; deny freedom; capture; kidnap:

Fa àkpàlụgo eze ānyị nà mkpà Our chief has been

kidnapped

-kpàchibìdo

lock in or out

-kpàchisị

lock up (many locks, doors, etc.)

-kpàchi(ta)

lock

-kpàdo

pile up; store; board; cover up (lit. press upon)

-kpàfànye

intrude; force in between tight space; insert

-kpàgbu

choke; suffocate

do wrong to; oppress; harass; trouble

mkpàgbu

tribulation; oppression; trouble

-kpàghe

press open; unlock (with key):

Bikō kpàgheelụ m ụzò Please unlock the door for me

-kpàji

break; snap

-kpàjipù

break, snap off

-kpàjirà

break into two equal parts

-kpàjita

break and bring

-kpàkọ

be tight or packed; sit close together so as to leave little or no

space in between

-kpà mkpà = -kpà

àkpà

-kpà ntì

listen carelessly; pretend not to hear; be obstinate (lit. close

ear)

-kpà ọnụ

become, render speechless; be dumbfounded:

Ife Àda mèlù nébe ànyị jèlù kpàlù m ọnụ What Ada did

where we went left me dumbfounded

anya akpà

goggling eyes

(ọnụ ) -kpà

lose appetite:

Ọnụ kpàlù m I have no appetite

be speechless; be unable to speak much, or at all

ọnụ òkpùkpà

speechlessness; exhaustion; utter weariness

-kpà 2.

be needful:

gịnị nà-akpā gị? What are you in need of?

-kpà mkpà

need; have need; be necessary; compel:

Ènyò anyā nà-akpā m mkpà n kè nnukwu#I am seriously

in need of glasses

mkpà

need; necessity

-kpà 3. +

tie permanently; stack; plait; weave

òkpùkpà

plaiting

òkpùkpà isiì

plaiting of hair

-kpà akwà

weave cloth

-kpà isi

plait hair

-kpà ji

stack yams (in the barn)

-kpà n kàtà

make basket

-kpà 4.

trim, cut (hair)

òkpùkpà

trimming; cutting

151

-kpàcha

cut; trim; barb; crop

-kpàcha ajị

crop, shave, cut hair

-kpàcha ajị anụ

crop, shave, cut hair of animal

-kpàcha isi

barb; cut hair

-kpàchapù

crop, cut, trim off

-kpàchasị

cut, shave, etc., entirely

-kpàchasị isi

barb hair of head (less common than -kpàcha isi)

-kpà igwù

prepare palm fronds

kpakpan dò

star

kpakpan do

morning star:

ụ tụtù

Na-àgafè dịkà kpa kpakpan do ụ tụtù Passing away like

the morning star (funeral hymn)

-kpa-kwu

concern oneself with; make friendly advances to; befriend

kpalakwu#kwu

pigeon

kpamkpàm

entirely; completely:

Alụ chago m ọlụ afù kpamkpàm I have finished the work

completely

kpamkpamkpam

sound of knocking

-kpe 1.

report; judge:

O kpèlì m He reported me:

Agà m èkpe giCn’aka nnà gị ukwu I shall report you to your

master

òkpukpe

reporting; judging

-kpe ikpe

judge a case

-kpejide

judge unfairly; make unfair report

mkpejide

injustice

ikpe

case

ndị ikpe

the judges

-kpe 2.

pray; beg:

Kà ànyị kpeelu Chine kè Let us pray (unto God):

O tègo m jì èkpelu yā kà ọ rapụ m I have been begging

him for a long time to leave me alone

-kpe ekpelu, ekpele

say prayer; pray:

Kà ànyị kpee ekpelu Let us pray

-kpe 3.

smear

òkpukpe

smearing

-kpe mmanụ

smear with oil

-kpe +

v.:

-kpe ụgbọ

steer canoe

-kpè +

v.:

-kpè àzụ

be last; bring up the rear

ìkpe āzụ

the last thing:

Ife ìkpe āzụ ị gà-èmê bù ije kute mmiìli dọbe n’ụnò The

final thing you should do is to fetch water and keep it in the

house

oge ìkpe āzụ

the last time; at the end of the time; at the end of the world

ụbòsị ìkpe āzụ

the last day; the day of judgment

-bịakpè àzụ

come last

-kpè 2. +

backbite; slander; speak evil of (esp. indirectly and in the

hearing of the person being slandered)

-kpècha

slander

mkpècha

slandering

-kpè ìkpe

backbite; slander; speak evil of. Much practised by the Egwu

152

Ọjà dancers many years ago. The soloist in the course of her

singing spoke to evil-doers who had been committing evil in

secret, e.g. a thief or people involved in adultery, thereby

bringing their anti-social practices to light

-kpè 3.

scrape

-kpècha

strip off (bark, skin, etc.)

-kpèchalụ

strip and take the bark

-kpèchapù

strip off

-kpèchasị

strip off bark (entirely); pare (everything off)

kpelèkpelè

in circles:

Ọ nà-àgba kpelèkpelè It moves in circles

-kpì +

v.:

-kpì isi

cut hair

-kpìcha isi

cut hair very short

-kpo 1.

gather; collect; pick

òkpukpo

gathering; collecting; picking

-kpo àgbụgbọ

collect decayed compost for application to the crops

-kpocha

clear (rubbish, refuse); rid a place (of rubbish, refuse, filth):

Ànyị nà-àkwadebe iwu#ụnò n’ànì a nà-èkpocha We are

preparing to build a house on the place which is being cleared

purify woman after childbirth

-kpocha isi

be bald:

Nwoke afù kpòchàlù isi That man is bald

-kpochapù

clean away; exterminate

-kpochi onùnù

fill hole

-kpofù

gather and throw away

mkpofù

throwing away

ife mkpofù

offal

-kpoju

fill; gather and fill

-kpokọ

gather together; collect

-kpokò

gather together; collect (in one place) (Emphasizes

togetherness more than -kpokọ)

-kpokọbà (ọnụ )

gather together; collect in one place

-kpokọlụ

gather together and carry away; collect:

Ekpōkọlụgo m òlòma diCnénu tebùlù I have collected

(and taken away) the oranges on the table

-kpo(lụ) ọsọ

rush; run quickly (lit. collect running)

-kponita, -kponite

gather up

-kpopùta

gather out

-kpo uzuzù

gather sand; play in and with sand (of children)

-kpo +

v.:

-kpo lìlìlì

swarm (of bees)

-kpowa

rush away

-kpò 1. +

be hot; smell pleasantly and hot (of well-prepared, spiced

soup, mentholatum, etc.); sting (of pepper); hurt (of sting)

-kpò èkpò = -kpò

-kpo nàlànàlà

be tepid, lukewarm

-kpò òkpoòfùfù

perspire; cause perspiration

-kpò ọkụ

be hot; be lively (of season or place)

-kpò 2.

ext. suff.1

upon

-gbakpò

spread upon

-kwukpò

cover up with words

-yikpò

cover the body with clothes

153

-zàkpò

sweep upon

-kpo-pù

extract

-kpopù eze

extract a tooth

-kpọ 1.

call; invite; summon; name

òkpụkpọ

calling; vocation

-kpọ afà

call by name; name:

Kpòọ onye oriì afà Call the thief by name:

Agà m àkpọ yā afà I shall call him by name

Kpòọ yā afà Name him

-kpọ àghalā, àyalā

be in an uproar:

Àda āna-àkpọka aghalā Ada is very fond of causing an

uproar, or creating a disturbance

-kpọ asì

hate; dislike:

Ịkpọ mmadù ibe ānyị asì bù n jọ Hatred towards our

fellow-men is sin:

Akpòlù m yà asì I hate him, or I dislike him:

Chukwu Nnà, bikō zọpùta ānyị n’aka ndị niiìne nā-akpọ

ānyị asì God the Father, please deliver us from the hands of

all that hate us

-kpọbàta

call in; welcome; admit

-kpọchìgha

call back; recall

-kpọdèbe

call near; bring near

-kpọgopùta

call up and out; escort up and out

-kpọ ìzù

call meeting

-kpọkọlụ

call together and take away (of humans and animals that are

capable of following):

Ọ bụlụ nà ụnù eme chirọ ụzò òfụma nkịtā m gà-abàta

kpọkọlụ ụmù ya If you do not close the door properly my

dog will come in and take away its puppies

-kpọkù

call upon; call to

-kpọlụ

blaspheme

-kpọ mụụ

take mụọ when assuming duties of ọkpala

invite masquerade to a ceremony

-kpọnaba

call home; take home

-kpọ nzùkọ

call meeting

-kpọ òkù

call; call by name

-kpọ òmìmì akwā

sob

-kpọpùta

lead out:

Kpọpùta nwātà afù n’anwụ ọsọọ sọ! Take the child out of

the sun quickly!

-kpọte

arouse; waken

-kpọtụ

call upon

make noise

mkpọtụ

noise; uproar

-kpọwa

pronounce clearly

òkpọ na-àkpọ òkù

echo

-kpọ

lead; take along; go with (all referring to something capable of

self-movement):

Ọ kpò mmadù naàbò He comes with two persons:

154

Ònye kà ì gà-àkpọ je egwu? Whom are you taking to the

dance?:

Ọ kpò nkịtā bịa nzùkọ He came to the meeting with a dog

-kpọ 2.

be dry; (of certain fruits) be ripe

òkpụkpọ

drying

-kpọ akpọ

be dry:

Wètalụ m òfu oko ọkā kpọ lụ akpọ Bring me a dry ear of

corn

-kpọ anwụ

wither

mkpọ ānwụ

drought; extended dry season; severe dry season; long period

without rain

-kpọkọlụ

wither; dry up (completely)

-kpọ mbụ = -kpọ

dry (e.g. of leaf)

mgbụ

-kpọ nkụ

be dry

Wètalụ m akwụkwọ kpọ lụ nkụ Bring me a dry leaf:

Ọ bụlụ nà ị ñaa azù ndù afù nókụ ọ gà-àkpọ nkụ ọsọ ọ sọ

If you place that fresh fish over the fire it will get dry quickly

òkpọnkụ

dryness

-kpọnwụ

dry up; shrivel; wither:

Ọ bụlụ nà ị gbārọ òdòdo diCníru iìlo mmiliì ọ gà-àkpọnwụ

If you do not water the flowering plant in front of the house it

will wither

akpịliCịkpọ nkụ

intense thirst

-kpọ 3.

strike; knock; drive nail or stake in

-kpọbè

cut; abrade; stub (toe by knocking it against something)

cut asunder by placing sharp pointed instrument like an anvil

on top and knocking its head with the hammer

kpọbè ụkwụ

knock and cut, hurt, stub the toes

-kpọbo ànì

level ground; break ground

-kpọdo

nail; fasten

-kpọdo n’obe

crucify; nail on cross

-kpọ etùketù

hiccough:

Etùketù nà-àkpọ m I have hiccoughs

-kpọgbu

crucify; kill by nailing

Onye a kpògbùlù

The Crucified

n’obe

-kpọ isi ànì

kneel and touch ground with head in humiliation and entreaty

-kpọji

chop across grain

-kpọmì

knock in (nail, peg, etc.)

-kpọmìna

fasten; knock completely in

-kpọ mkpụkpọ

to drive (a peg into the earth):

Anà m èje ịkpọ mkụkpọ n’okè mụ nà Ịbā I am going to put

pegs along the boundary between Ịba and myself

-kpọ n’ùbu

shrug the shoulders

-kpọnye

nail; drive a peg or skewer

-kpọ òmìmì

dive

-kpọpu

force open; open by perforating with pointed object; break

ground (as shoot)

-kpọ ụkwụ

stub the toes

-kpọwa

split; divide by splitting

-kpọ ụgbà

turn a somersault

155

-kpọwa isi

part the hair

-kpọwalụ

rush, run away (permanently; one is less likely to come back

than with -kpọwa, which simply means run away)

take (snuff) (lit. strike in)

-kpọ anwụlù

take snuff

-kpọ ùtabà

take snuff

-kpọ 4. +

suffer blindness (as a result of the destruction of an eye or

both eyes); destruction of an eye or both eyes due to injury,

disease, etc.:

Anya ākpọgo nwoke afụ dālụ enu nkwụ The man who

fell off the palm tree is now blind

anya mkpọ

blindness

-kpọ 5. +

buy, purchase (clothes, pottery)

-kpọta

buy, purchase (clothes, pottery):

Akpòtàlù m akwà ọfụụ I bought a new cloth:

Anà m èje ịkpọ ta ìte ọ zọ I am going to purchase another

pot

-kpọ ute

buy mat

-kpọ 6. +

expose; display

-kpọba afịa

expose, display wares for sale

-kpọ ìfulu#

blossom; flower (cf. -kpọ ìgùgù)

-kpọ ìgùgù

blossom; flower

-kpọ 7. +

clear by setting fire to; burn

-kpọ ànì

clear ground by burning

-kpọcha

clear; clean by burning:

Jèe kwànwue ọkụ a gà-èji kpọcha atụlụ a nà-àkwadebe

igbu#Go and make the fire with which the hair of the sheep

that is about to be slaughtered will be burned off

mkpọcha

burning

-kpọnye ọkụ

build up a fire; set fire to; burn off with fire

Ànyqị chòlù ịkpọ ewu ọkụ We want to burn off (the hair of)

a goat:

Anà m èje ịkpọ nye ọkụ a gà-èji mị azù ndù afù I am going

to build up the fire with which the fresh fish will be dried

-kpọ 8.

break (of something fragile, e.g. egg, bladder, eye):

Àkwa ị chòlù isiì àkpọgo The egg you want to boil has

broken:

Ọ fòlù nwantịntị kà o tikpọọ ākwa m nà-àkwadebe isiì He

almost broke the egg I am preparing to cook

-gbakpọ

break (by itself):

Àkwa àgbakpọgo The egg has broken (e.g. while being

boiled)

-kpọlì

grind dry thing (not thoroughly); break into splinters or pieces

mkpọlì

grinding

-kpọ 9. +

rub; pluck off

-kpọ ọkà

remove the grains from the ear of maize

-kpọsị

rub, pluck off grains from cob, etc.

-kpọsị ọkà

rub off grains from cob

-kpọ ùbọ

play musical instrument (sanza, guitar, organ)

-kpọ 10. +

-kpọ aghalā

cause confusion, riot, tumult

-kpọ 11.

ext. suff.1

(fig.) denoting thoroughness arising from repeated action

-gbakpọ ìzù

discuss very thoroughly, again:

Àny!qị gbàkpòlù ìzù àgbakpọ We really had a thorough

156

discussion:

Jèe nù gbàkpọ ìzù Go and discuss it again

-kpò 1.

curse; abuse

-kpò iyiì

curse; abuse:

Ìwu nà-akpọ m iyiì Iwu is cursing me

-kpòlị

reproach; abuse

mkpòlị

reproach; abuse

-kpòlụ

abuse; reproach

-kpò 2.

ext. suff. 1

denoting thoroughness, proper performance:

Ji adā èkwe m iliì mà ọ bụlụ nà o ghe kpòrò èghekpò I

can’t eat yam if it is not thoroughly done:

Ọ nà-àgwa i Ada nà nyâ chòlù kà Àda gwekpòọ tanjele ọ

nà-ègwe e gwekpò She is telling Ada to grind the galena

stone that she is grinding very thoroughly

-kpọ-chi

shut; be shut

-kpọchi

shut; lock; turn (key); imprison

mkpọchi

button

-kpọchibìdo

shut out or in:

Ụzò àkpọchìbìdogo m The door has shut against me:

Ị nà-àchọ ịkpọ chìbìdò m ụzò? Are you trying to shut the

door against me? or Are you going to shut the door against

me? or Are you going to lock me out (or in)?

-kpọchi ntì

be deaf, stubborn (lit. close ears to)

mkpòchi n tì

stubbornness; habitual disobedience (usu. of young person)

-kpọchi mmiliì

turn off (i.e. lock, shut) tap

-kpọchita

close; shut

-kpọ-kọ

see

-kpo(-kọ) (result of assimilation)

-kpọ-lè

roll (of objects; cf. -tụlù)

mkpọlè

rolling

-kpọlèdà

roll down

-kpọlèfèga

roll across

-kpọlègota

roll up (of an object that rolls)

-kpọlèpù

roll away, off:

Òlòma naàbò àkpọlèpùgo Two oranges have rolled away

kpọm

used in:

-tụ kpọm

strike a hard surface

drip (= -tụ pọm)

kpọò!

int.

no! (cf. mbà)

-kpu

ext. suff.1

-dàkpu

fall in

-nakpu

go in

-kpù 1.

cover; put on, wear (something on head)

òkpùkpù

covering

-kpù akwà

cover the body with cloth

-kpùchi

cover; cover up

-kpùchibìdo

shut in or out; confine by shutting up

-kpùchi ọnụ

hush; shut one’s mouth

-kpùchita

cover up; shut up; shut; cover

-kpùdo

cover; use one thing to cover up another

mkpùdo

covering

-kpù enu ụnò

roof a house

-kpùghe

uncover; reveal

157

-kpù mmụọ

put on a mask

-kpù òkpu

put on, wear hat, cap

-kpù òkpu ezè

wear crown

-kpù òkpu ogwu#

wear crown of thorns

-kpùpù

uncover; take off (hat, cap, etc.)

-kpùpù akwà

take off coverlet

-kpùpù òkpu

remove hat, cap, etc.

-sikpù

cover

nsikpù

obscuring (e.g. of sun)

cover, sit on (eggs)

-kpù n’àkwa

sit on eggs; brood:

ÒCkụkò m e bidogo ikpù n’àkwa yā My hen has started to

sit on its eggs

overturn; capsize

-kpù èkpù

capsize; upset; overturn; sink

-kpù iru

upset; overturn; turn upside down:

Ì chòlù ikpù ofe iru#? Do you want to overturn the soup?

-kpù ụgbọ

capsize a boat

be blind

-kpù ìsì

be blind:

Ì kpùlù ìsì? Are you blind?:

onye kpu#lu ìsì

blind person

-kpù 2.

lose flavour; be without flavour and go sour (of ògìlì ofe );

become bad:

Ògìli à kpùlù èkpù This ògìlì is sour

-kpù 3. +

-kpù òkwu

be plentiful (i.e. as common as òkwu in a village)

-kpù-kpù +

v.:

-kpùkpù aka

motion with hands for silence:

O kpukpùlù aka ọgè m nà-àkwadebe ikwu#ife ọ mèlù He

tried to silence me by gesturing with his hand when I was

about to reveal what he had done

kpukpulukpu

stiffness; firmness:

ÒC bù ùdị ọyà gịnị kà ỌjiCnà-ayà afọ yā jì kwe

kpukpulukpu? What disease is Ọjị suffering from that his

abdomen is so stiff and distended?

-me kpukpulukpu

become stiff, firm

-kpụ 1.

pull; draw

òkpụkpụ

pulling; drawing

-kpụchìgha

draw back; lead back (animals)

-kpụdà

pull down; move down

-kpụdèbe

draw; come nearer

Achòlù m kà ị kpụdèbe ọkụ I want you to draw near the fire

-kpụdèbe n so

draw, come near

-kpụgo

draw, pull up

-kpụgonita

draw, pull up

-kpụkọ

lead together

-kpụkò

pull together; pack closely

-kpụkọnata

lead home together

-kpụkònata

pull together (e.g. branches which have been cut); compress;

pack closely together

-kpụlụ

pull away; pull away with rope, take, lead (of animals):

Kèdụ ụbòsì ị gà-àbịa kpụlụ atụlụ gị? What day are you

158

coming to take away your sheep?

-kpụmì

draw away; move further

-kpụmìga

draw farther

-kpụnìta

draw within, nearer

-kpụnita

draw up; pull up

-kpụnye

launch (a boat)

-kpụ ụkpụlụ

mark, make trail (e.g. with the foot to mark out foundation)

-dọkpụ

pull along (e.g. goat with rope round its neck)

pull oneself along without using legs; creep; shuffle; wriggle;

glide (as snake)

-kpụ àkpụ = -kpụ:

Nwa m nwoke achọ rọ igbe igbe, ọ bù òkpụkpụ kà o jì

ikè àkpụ My little boy does not want to creep; he is pushing

himself forward on his buttocks:

Agwọ bù òfu níme anụ nā-akpụ ākpụ The snake is one of

the animals that move by gliding:

Afùlù m onye oriì afù ogè ọ dàlù n’ànì wèlụ afọ ya na-

àkpụ kà mmadụ wèlụ ghàlụ ịfụ ya I saw the thief when he

fell to the ground wriggling on his stomach in order to avoid

being seen by people

-kpụghalị

creep; glide, wriggle about

-kp’ụkònata

contract in size (of something long and flexible, e.g. snake or

worm, when it draws body together before expanding)

-kpụnye

creep, crawl, glide, pull into

-kpụpù

creep, crawl, glide forth, out

-kpụpùta

creep, crawl, glide out (to the open)

-kpụrụka

move aside:

Bikō kpùrụkalụ m Please move aside from me (i.e. without

using legs)

-kpụ 2.

mould; make, manufacture (iron materials like a blacksmith)

òkpụkpụ

moulding; making; manufacturing

-kpụ aja

make mud wall

-kpụ egbè

make a gun

-kpụghalị

refashion; remake; alter

-kpụ mmà

manufacture cutlass

-kpụ n dèlè

make track

-kpụ ụzụ

work as blacksmith; make metal appliances in blacksmith’s

workshop

òkpụ ìtè

potter

-kpụ 3. +

barb; shave

òkpụkpụ

barbing; shaving

-kpụ àfù ọnụ

shave beard

-kpụ isi

shave hair-of head:

Anà m èje ịkpụ isi I am going to cut my hair

òkpụ iìsi

shaver; barber

ring-worm of the head (tinea capitis)

òkpụ iìsi eliì ngo

ring-worm of the head (lit. barber who receives no pay)

-kpù 1.

hold, carry (in mouth); sip

-kpù nónụ

carry in the mouth; (fig.) be actually, still speaking:

Akpù m akụ nónụ I am holding palm kernels in my mouth

-kpù okwu nónụ

be still speaking; be speaking (e.g. as contribution to debate or

speeches during meeting):

Ụnù eme zina mkpọtụ màkà nà mmadù kpù okwu nónụ

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Stop making a noise, because somebody is speaking (usu.

during meetings)

-kpù òkù nónụ

(colloq.) be smoking a pipe, cigarette, etc.: colloq.

Ibè kpù òkù nónụ Ibe is smoking at present

-kpù 2.

smooth; shave; plane; scrape off

òkpùkpù

smoothing; shaving; scraping

-kpùba

abrade; abrade by scraping or dragging rough object over the

surface or skin:

Ị chòlù ịkpùbà m àrụ? Do you want to scrape my skin off?

-kpùcha

smooth; plane; scrape

-kpùchapù

scrape out

-kpùchapùta

scrape out completely

-kpù- 3.

v.:

-kpùmụlị amụ

smile, laugh, chuckle, in a gentle way (as a sign of pleasure):

Ogè a gwàlù Ibè nà nwunyè nwa nne ya àmụgo ò

kpùmụlịa amụ When Ibe was informed that his brother’s

wife had delivered (a child) he smiled

-kpù-kpò

unroof; break up roof; be broken:

A gà-àkpụkpò ụnọ ānyị ochiìè echi Our old house will be

unroofed tomorrow

-kpùkpòpù

unroof; break up roof; be broken

kwa, kwọ

enc.

also; in addition to (additive, denoting repetition, emphasis, or

an action in addition to an action previously mentioned;

occurs after verbs and nominals):

Jèkwa Go again:

`Kwèkwanụ u#kwe afù òzọ Please sing that song again:

Ònye kwa nụ bù n ke à?Who else is this?

gịnị kwọ bùdù n ke à? What is this again?:

O sìkwò ike He is very strong:

Ị biCarọkwọnụ akwụkwọ n nyàafù I’m sure you didn’t

come to school yesterday

-mekwa

do again

-rikwa

eat again

-kwa

pack; carry off; clear away

òkwụkwa

packing; carrying off

-kwachakọ

take away everything

-kwachi

move into place vacated by another

-kwachị

remove to another house

-kwadebe

prepare; propose to do something

-kwadèbe

bring everything near

-kwado

prepare; get ready; pack for journey:

Akwàdò m ije afịa I am ready to go to market

-kwafè

move over; remove (belongings to another house)

nkwafè

transfer (by packing bag and baggage and going to another

place)

-kwaghalị

move (things) about:

Ọ nà-àkwaghalị ife yā He is moving his things about

-kwa ibu

pack loads, belongings, luggage:

Ọ bụlụ nà ị kpāchàpùrò anya ndi oriì gà-àkwa ibu niiìne

diCn’ụnò gị If you are not careful thieves will carry off all

160

the loads in your house

-kwaju

gather and fill; amass

-kwakọ

pack up; pack together:

Ànyị nà-àkwakọ ife ānyị ọnụ We are bringing our

belongings together

-kwakọbà

gather together (into); collect; prepare

-kwakọlụ

take, remove everything; pack away everything

-kwakọta

pack things together

-kwalụ

pack up:

Ọ kwàlù ife yā wèe naa He packed up and went home

-kwalụ afịa

pack and move wares away

-kwanye ọkụ

stir up a fire; accelerate a car: (fig.) stir up (trouble):

Ọ kwànyèlù nsògbu à He stirred up this crisis

-kwa obì

settle (in a place):

Akwāgo m obì n’Enugwu#I’ve settled in Enugu

-kwapù

clear out everything

-kwa ụzò

open road (by clearing); prepare way

-kwa 2. +

weep; cry; lament

-kwa akwa

cry; weep; lament

-;kwakpọsị anya

cry bitterly (lit. blind oneself with tears)

keep funeral:

Ànyị nà-àkwa Ijè We are keeping Ije’s funeral

òkwụkwa

keeping of funeral; funeral ceremony:

Ijè nwùlù n nyàafù mà a gà-èbido ọ kwụkwa yā echi Ije

died yesterday but his funeral will begin tomorrow

-kwa ozu

perform burial ceremony; keep funeral:

A gà-àkwa ozu#echi A funeral will take place tomorrow

àkwamozu

funeral ceremony:

Ànyị gà-èje ākwamozu echi We shall attend a funeral

ceremony tomorrow

cry (of animals and birds)

Oko òkpà kwàlù The cock crowed:

Ugòlo òmà nà-àkwa The crows are cawing:

Àkìlị nà-àkwa Frogs croak

used in:

-kwa mmààlù

regret:

I gà-àkwalụ n kaà mmààlù You’ll regret this:

Ọ kwàlù mmààlù nà o mèlù ya He’s sorry he did it

-kwa 3. +

cough

-kwa ụkwalà

cough

(ụkwalà) -kwa

have a cough

-kwa 4.

sew

òkwụkwa

sewing

-kwa (akwà)

sew (cloth)

-kwachi

repair; patch (up):

Kwàchielụ m akwà m Patch my clothes for me

-kwakọdo

sew together

-kwa nga àgbà

tie bandage under chin of a dead person

òkwa àkwà

tailor (lit. sewer of clothes)

-kwa 5.

ext. suff. 1.

well; so as to restore good condition

-dokwa

repair; put in the proper position; (fig.) settle quarrel:

Ọ nà-èje idōkwa motò ya me mmebì She is going to repair

her lorry which has got a fault:

161

Ọ gà-èdokwa ya bụ okwu He will settle that case

-jikwa

dress (someone else)

-lụkwa

repair

-mekwa, -mekwata

repair; please by an action; give a tip, small present:

Ọ sì nà ya amā ana mà ọ bụlụ nà fa eme kwatarọ ya He

said he would not go if he was not pleased (i.e. if something

was not done to please him)

-nòkwalụ

sit firm, well

kwà 1.

prep.

every; each (with reference to periods of time

kwà ànyasì

every evening

kwà arò

yearly; annually

kwà daa

daily

kwà èfifìè

every midday

kwà izù

weekly

kwà mbòsì

daily

kwà mgbèdè

every evening

kwà ọnwa

monthly

kwà ùchichì

nightly

kwà ụbòsì

every day; daily

kwà ùtụtù

every morning

-kwà 2.

push

òkwùkwà

pushing

-kwà aka

push; urge; drive

-kwabànye

push in; hustle in:

kwabànye yā níme

hustle him inside the house

ụnò

-kwadà

push down

-kwàdo

support; hold up; stop from falling

-kwafè

push over

-kwàghe

push open

-kwàkọ

push together

-kwàkọ isi nísi

set people at loggerheads

-kwàkpọ

overthrow; push down; demolish

-kwànị ọkụ

(lit.) fan fire

(fig.) instigate someone to do something

-kwànye

push in

-kwàsi ike

push firmly

-kwàtù

knock down; push down

-kwà ụzò

open a road; prepare way

-kwà 3.

miss; slip

òkwùkwà

disappointment; missing (something) as a result of some

hindrance:

Ọ bù egwu òkwùkwà mèlù nà ị fụ rọ onye isi egwu ụmù

àgbọghò a sì nà ọ bù yā mànàrìsìlì egwu àgba n’ Ògidi It is

your missing the dance that prevented your seeing the leader

of young women’s dance, reputed to be the greatest dancer in

Ogidi:

Egwu afù mụ e jedōrọò bù m nnukwu ife òkwùkwà (lit.

The dance that I did not meet is to me a great disappointment)

I’m very disappointed about missing the dance:

Ọ bù ife òkwùkwà mèlù nà mụ esòrò nnene akwụkwọ

n’ụkā à je Something prevented me from taking the

examination this week:

162



Òlili nà ònụnụ diCnébe à n nyàafù akwàgo giC You have

missed the feasting that took place here yesterday

-kwàcha

slip off and fall down

-kwà 4.

blow (e.g. pipe); sing

òkwa àbù

soloist

òkwa òjà

piper; flute-player

-kwà 5.

pour, spill (water, liquid)

-kwafù

spill:

Ọ kwāfùlù mmiliì He spilt the water, or He poured away the

water

-kwà 6.

v.:

-kwà ụta

regret; be sorry

-kwa-cha

scrape; chip

-kwacha àkwacha

chip; scrape

-kwacha ji (edè)

cut off roots of yam (cocoyam)

kwalìkwatà

kind of louse, very stubborn, found on clothes, pubic hair, etc.

of habitually dirty persons ( H., cf. igwu louse)

-kwà-sa

see -kwà-sị 1.

-kwà-sị 1, -kwà-sa

ext. suff. 1

upon; on

-dakwàsị

fall upon (of thing):

Ọ dākwàsì nénu ọche It fell on the chair

Ọ nọ kwàsì nénu ikpo akwụ She sits on the heap of

palmnuts:

O biìkwàsì yà aka He lays his hands on him

-kwà-sị 2.

ext. suff. 1

again

-kwukwàsị

speak again

-mekwàsị

do again

-kwe 1.

believe; agree; obey; be willing; permit:

Nwoke afù kwèsìlì ịjā ike The man deserves praise

òkwukwe

agreement

-kwekọ

agree together

nkwekọ

agreement; harmony

-kwekọlịta

come to an agreement:

Ànyị èkwekọlịtago We have come to an agreement

-kwelụ

-kwe nísi

nod the head

-kwenye

agree; allow

-kwenyelụ

agree with

-kwesị

deserve; be fitting; be suitable; correspond

òkwùkwe

belief; faith

ùkwe

assent

-kwe 2. +

sing

-kwe ùkwe

sing hymns, songs in chorus

ùkwe

song; hymn

-kwe 3.

grip

-kwedo aka

lay hold of

-kwe n’aka

shake hands

-kwerùbe

shake (e.g. bottle of oil)

nkweko akā

wrist

-kwe 4. +

bargain; price

-kwedà

lower (price)

-kwe ọnụ

offer (a price)

-kwe 5.

set, prepare for use (something involving strings)

-kwe akwà

weave cloth (usu. with hand loom)

163

-kwe ọnyà

set (rope, wire) trap

-kwe ụta

string a bow

-kwezi ụta

re-string a bow

-kwo

pluck, extract forcibly or prematurely; remove from position

(e.g. fruit, foetus) prematurely

òkwukwo

plucking

-kwo eze

take out, extract teeth; lose tooth (teeth)

eze nkwō

loss of tooth (teeth)

-kwosị ugbènè

pluck feathers

-dàkwo

(of fruit) fall from tree before it is ripe

-kakwo

(esp. of fruits) pluck prematurely

-takwo

(of fruits) eat unripe:

Ọ nà-àtakwo ugiliì acharọ àcha She is eating an unripe

wild mango

-kwò 1.

be crowded; be in a rush; rush; jerk

òkwùkwò

rushing

-kwòbà

rush in

-kwòbàta

rush in

-kwò èkwò

rush in numbers

-kwò ekwòlò

envy; contest enviously

-kwòjili

rush violently

-kwò ọnwụ

be at point of death; struggle with death

-kwòpù

rush out

mmili nā-ekwō

èkwò

tap or stream where there is a rush of people wishing to fetch

water

fast-flowing stream, river, water-way:

Mmili (pọmpù) Ụmùagụ nà-ekwō èkwò n’ùtụtù There is

usually a rush at the stream (tap) of Ụmụagụ in the mornings

(mmiliì) -kwò

undergo a rush of people anxious to fetch water (of a stream)

rush, flow rapidly (of water-way, stream)

(pọmpù) -kwò

be surrounded by anxious, pushing crowd trying to get water

(of tap)

-kwò 2.

uproot

-kwò ìlìlò

uproot a plant

-kwò +

v.:

-kwò ekwòlò

envy; be jealous of

-kwò +

v.:

-kwò ụla

snore

kwọ

see kwa

-kwọ

grind; grate; saw; rub; (with aka as object) wash (hands)

òkwụkwọ

grinding; grating; sawing:

Fa nà-àkwọ osisi fa gbùlù n nyàafù They are sawing the

tree they felled yesterday

-kwọ aka

wash the hands

-kwọ akpụ

grate cassava; make gari:

Ọ nà-àkwọ akpụ ọ gà-ejì ghe gàlị She is grating the cassava

with which she is going to make farina

-kwọbè

saw asunder:

Ànyqị chòlù ijiì mmà ọdụ kwọbè osisi dāchilị ụzò We

want to saw asunder the tree which fell across the road

-kwọcha

file

164

-kwọcha isi

be bald

isi nkwọcha

baldness; bald head (i.e. as if head has been scraped)

onye isi nkwọcha

bald-headed person

-kwọ ìgbì

rub the gums (of teething child)

-kwọjipù

saw off

-kwọ mụlụmụlụ

be smooth (of stone); be very smooth and shining

-kwọ osè

grind pepper:

Ọ nà-àkwọ osè She is grinding pepper

n kwọ òsè

pepper-grinder (stone, machine, etc.)

-kwọ ọkà

grind corn:

Ị nà-àkwọ ọkà ị gà-èji me nni ọkà? Are you grinding the

corn with which to prepare pap?

-kwọpìà

grind to little bits or pulp; crush; mash

(motò) -kwọpìà

be crushed (by lorry or any vehicle):

Motò gà-àkwọpiCa giCisi otù ụbòsì màkà nà ị diCachàlụ

motò òfụma A lorry will crush your head one day because

you never give way properly to lorries

-kwọzè

grind to pulp; reduce by grinding

kwọzè

(slang, usu. among school-children) snack, small edibles like

àkàlà, groundnuts, èlèlè, bought and eaten by school-children

during the recess period by those who can afford it

-ta kwọzè

eat such snacks

-kwọ 2. +

scoop up (water)

-kwọ mmiliì

bale; dip up water (with hands or container)

-kwọsa mmiliì

throw water over the hands or body (as in taking a shower)

wipe off water from the floor or any wide surface (also -

kwọcha)

-kwò

carry on the back

-kwòlụ

carry on the back (e.g. child)

-kwò nnwa

carry child on the back:

Kwòlụ nnwā Carry the child on your back

-kwò nnwa n’àzụ

carry child on the back

-kwòpù

put down from the back something carried on it

-kwu

speak

òkwukwu

speaking

-kwubì

end a speech:

Bikō, kwubìzịa okwu afù Please, end that speech

-kwubìdo

interrupt

-kwubulu

foretell; say beforehand

-kwudebe

cease speaking

-kwudide

continue speaking

-kwu èkwulèkwu

talk excessively or like a chatter-box; nag

-kwu ezi okwu#

speak the truth:

Ọ bù ezi okwu#kà m nà-èkwu I am speaking the truth

-kwufìè

speak wrongly, incorrectly

-kwughalị

say the opposite of what one said before

-kwujọ

speak evil of

-kwukwàsị

speak again

-kwulụ

blaspheme; revile

-kwu mpụ

talk at random

-kwunyì

overwhelm with talking:

I kwu#nyì m! You overwhelm me with talk!

-kwu òfegà, -kwu

talk in a flippant way

165

ofega

-kwu okwu

speak; utter words

-kwu okwu alụ

speak abominable word(s)

-kwu okwu āsị

speak falsehood

-kwu okwu azụ

slander; back-bite:

Ọ nà-èkwu m okwu āzụ He is talking about me behind my

back

-kwu okwu ụ gha

speak falsehood

-kwu ọnụ naàbò

say different things on different occasions or to different

people

-kwupù

speak out

-kwupùta

speak out; confess:

O kwu#pùtago echìchè ya He has put forward his views

nkwupùta

confession; profession (of faith, etc.)

-kwusà(sị)

proclaim; declare; publish abroad

-kwusàsịba

begin to spread news in all directions

-kwusi ike

speak strongly, loudly

-kwute

make mention of

-kwutò, -kwutì

slander; speak evil of

Ekwu#tòsì

female name (lit. Don’t slander)

nkwutò

evil-speaking

-kwuwa

speak plainly

-kwuwapù

speak out plainly

Chinèekwu

female name (lit. It is God who speaks, i.e. it is God who says

what will happen)

èkwulèkwu

excessive talking; nagging

okwu

speech

òka e kwukwu

chatterbox

ọnụ nā-ekwulụ +

spokesman

ọnụ nā-ekwulụ

our spokesman:

ānyị

Ọjì bù ọnụ nā-ekwulụ ānyị Ọjị is our spokesman

ọnụ nā-ekwulụ òrà

spokesman of the public, all

-kwu-, -kwụ- 2.

cork

-kwuchi

cork; stopper

nkwuchi

cork; covering

-kwuchi ọnụ

cover, plug hole, mouth, opening

okwuchi, okwu

stopper; cork; cover

-kwụghe

open; uncover

-kwu 3., -ku

ext. suff.1.

to; towards

-chèkwube

trust in:

Chèkwube Chine kè Trust in God

nchèkwube

trust; confidence:

Nchèkwube ānyqị dì nà Chine kè Our trust is in God

-gbakwu(te), -

run towards, to:

gbakurịta

Ọ nà-àgbakwu nne ya She is running to her mother

-jekwu

go to; towards:

Achò m ije kwu nnà m I want to go to my father

-kpụkwu

move, crawl towards:

Ọ nà-àkpụkwu nwa nne ya She is moving towards her

sister

-kwu 4.

ext. suff.1.

more; more of

-likwu

eat more:

166

Ị chò iliìkwu nni? Do you want to eat more food?

-mùkwù

read more (of):

Ọ chò ịmùkwù akwụkwọ She wants to study further

-nụlụkwu

drink more of:

Nùlụkwue mmiìli Drink more water

-wètakwu

bring more (of):

Wètakwuelụ m mmadù naàbò Bring me two more persons

-kwù-

cover; cover with lid; invert

-kwùchi

close (opening):

Kwùchie ìte siì nókụ Cover the pot on the fire

-kwùchikpò

cover in

-kwùghe

open (bottle, tin, pot, etc.)

-kwùghepù

uncover

-kwùpù

uncork (a bottle, etc.)

-kwu-do

meet

-kwu-kọ, -kwụ-kọ

join, piece together

-kwụkọ aka

rub the hands together in supplication

-kwukọnye, -

join, piece together

kwụkọnye

-kwù-kwù 1.

hold together, clench (of hand)

-kwùkwù aka

clench, close the hand

nkwukwù akā

fist

-kwù-kwù 2.

be foolish

kwùlìkwùlì

used in:

-me kwùlìkwùlì

behave like a harmless madman

kwùlu

used in:

ọnwa kwùlu ọnwā

month after month

arò kwùlu arò

year after year

nnù kwùlu nnù

thousands upon thousands; million(s):

Nnù kwùlu nnù ndi be ānyị nà-èje Òbòdò Oyìbo kwà arò

Thousands of our people go to Europe each year

-kwụ 1.

pay

òkwụkwụ

paying

Anà m àbịa ịkwụ onye ọ bụnà dịkà ọlụ yā sìlì dị I am

coming to pay everyone according to his work:

Ibì egō adā àdị ọlọ kà òkwụkwụ yā Borrowing money is

not usually as difficult as repaying it

-kwụchìgha

pay back; repay; refund

-kwụ ngò

pay bride-price

repay the bride-price paid on a wife

òkwụkwụ ngò

payment of bride price

-kwụta

send payment (of debt or wages, to speaker):

Ọ kwụ tagolụ m ụgwọ o jì m She has sent payment of his

debt to me

-kwụ ụgwọ

pay wages, debt:

Kwùa m ụgwọ m Pay me my wages, or Pay your debt to

òkwụkwụ (ụgwọ )

payment (of debt, wages)

akwụ cha

irredeemable; that which can never be completely repaid; debt

akwụcha

which can never be completely liquidated

-kwụ 2.

stand; set

-kwụba

stand (something); place

-kwụbìdo

interfere; stand in the way of

167

-kwụchi

resist; stand in front of; block someone’s view; replace; stand

in for

-kwụ chìm

be firm; stand firm; be firmly established or secure in a place

(of person)

-kwụdèbe

stand near

-kwụdo

meet; fall in with; overtake; stand on

-kwụghalị

loiter

-kwụlụ n’ùsòlò

be in a line, single file

-kwụlụ ọtọ = -kwụ

ọtọ

-kwụ ọtọ

stand upright, straight

be right, upright, just

-kwụrube

stand around

-kwụsị

stop; stay:

Ọ chò ịkwụ sị motò He wants to stop the car

nkwụsị

termination; abolition

-kwụsi ike

stand firm

-kwụ ụgbà

turn a somersault

-kwụzi

make straight

akwụ do akwụdo

instability; shakiness; that which is never stable

-kwụ 3.

hang

-kwụba

hang

-kwụba akwà

hang up a cloth

-kwụ èfè

swing to and fro; be neutral

-kwụ elili

commit suicide by hanging

-kwụfè

suspend; hang

-kwụfèghalị

swing; hang around

-kwụgbu

kill by hanging

-kwụ ùdò

commit suicide (by hanging); hang oneself

-kwụ 4. +

smoke

-kwụ àlùlù

be misty

-kwụ anwụlù

smoke (of a fire)

-kwụgbu

suffocate by smoke

-kwụni, -kwuni

rise (of mist, smoke, etc.)

-kwụ 5.

jump

òkwụkwụ

jumping

-kwụbà

jump in

-kwụdà

lower; let down

-kwụfè

jump over

-kwụpù

jump off

-kwụtù

jump down

-kwụ 6.

see -kwu

168

-la 1.

drink

òlịla

a drinking

ife ōlịla

drink

-lafọ

drink and leave some remaining

-lakwu

drink again, in addition, the remainder

-laju afọ

drink to satiety

-lalụ

drink a part

-la oke mmānya

drink to excess; get drunk

-la, -lụ 2.

sleep

-lamì ụla

fall fast asleep

-larụ alarụ

congeal, coagulate, curdle (e.g. oil)

-larụ ụlā, -lụ ụla

sleep

-la 3.

have coition with:

Ọ chò ịlā ya He wants to sleep with her

-la di

have sexual intercourse (of woman); be sexually loose (of

woman)

-là + 1.

entice; seduce; deceive

-làdà

soothe, rock (a baby)

-làfù

seduce; deceive

nlafù

seduction; deceit

-làpùta ile

put out the tongue

-là ùlà

entice; charm; persuade

-là 2.

ext. suff. 1.

open; flat; exposed

-chalàpù anya

stare at

-nwulàpù

flash

-telà

rub flat

-la-cha

lick; eat (juicy fruit); drink (soup)

-la-pa

stick to; cling to

-lapado n’àrụ

stick to body

-lapalụ n’àrụ

cling (to somebody)

-le 1.

sell

òlile

(art of) sale

afịa ōlile

merchandise; commodity

-le (afịa) ọkshòm

sell wares at an auction

-lebe (= -lesị)

sell to

-ledà

sell cheaply

-lefọ

sell, leaving some parts

-lefù

sell into slavery

-lesị

sell to:

Ị mā elesị m#ewu gī? Won’t you sell me your goat?

-le 2.

be rotten

169

-letò

be very rotten

-letòsị

be completely rotten

-le ùle

rot; be rotten; be corrupt; be lazy

-le 3.

brand with hot thing; burn, touch with fire or hot object; be

hot

-ledo

blaze out; catch fire

-leji

cut asunder by burning

-le ọkụ

A. be hot, warm:

Àrụ gī nà-èle ọkū Your body is hot

B. brand with hot object; burn or touch with fire, hot object:

Ì nà-àchọ ilē m ọkụ? Are you going to burn me?

(ọkụ) -le

be hurt or touched (by fire or hot object):

Ọkû lè m n’aka I was burned on the hand

-lè 1.

fulfil; come to pass; (of medicine or sorcery) be efficacious

òlìlè

fulfilling; coming to pass

-lèzù

fulfil; come to pass

-dị ìlè

(of medicine or sorcery) be efficacious

(ọgwù) -lè

(of medicine or sorcery) be efficacious

-lè 2.

ext. suff.1.

(used with movement) about; used only in:

-gbelè

loiter; creep about:

Àda nà-ègbelèghalị ebe a nà-èsi ōlili Ada is hanging about

where a feast is being prepared

-kpọlè

roll along:

Afùlù m nyà kà ọ nà-àkpọlè bọòlù I saw her rolling a ball

letà

letter (E., cf. akwụkwọ)

-de letà

write letter

-degalụ letà

write letter to:

A gà-èdegalụ yā letà He will be written a letter

-delụ letà

write letter to; help write letter:

Ànyị gà-èdelụ yā letà We shall write him (a letter)

-deta letà

write letter to (the speaker):

Òbi kwù nà nya gà-èdeta letà ogè nya lù Òbòdò Oyìbo Obi

said he would write when he reaches the United Kingdom

-nata letà

receive letter

-za letà

reply to letter

-zìpù letà

post, mail, dispatch, send out letter:

Agà m èzipù letà m echī I shall dispatch my letter tomorrow

-li 1.

eat; acquire; absorb

òlili

feast; eating; consumption

Òlili Nsọ

Holy Communion

-li àkù

inherit wealth:

Òbìàgèèliàkù

name for a girl born into a wealthy family

òli àkù

loved wife; heir; inheritor

170

-li àrụ efè

be at ease, free from care:

Ọ nà-èli àrụ efè He is just resting quietly at home, or He is at

ease

-lichapù

eat up; devour

-lidà

cause someone to spend all he has

-li èlèlè

gain

-lifọ

eat and leave some remaining

-ligbàdo

eat up

-ligbu

defraud (otherwise than in trading)

nligbu

cheating; fraud

-liju afọ

eat to satiety

-likọ

eat together

-likpù

overwhelm, swallow up (of water, mud, etc.)

-likwu

eat more

-li ǹgàlì

take bribe

-li ngō

accept a bribe

-li nni

eat food; feed

-li nrā

fine; impose a fine

-li obì

resemble in behaviour; behave in exactly the same way as

another person

-li òlili

have a feast

-li ọkù

inherit wealth

-li ọnū

dumbfound; astonish:

O lì m ọnū It astonished me

-lipù

devour; eat up

-lita n’ùkwù

inherit; gain by inheritance

-lite

A. accommodate; contain

B. eat from; have a share of (inheritance)

-lite ekpē

inherit

-li ulù

gain; profit; benefit

-li ụgwō

receive salary, wages, etc.

-li ùwà

enjoy; enjoy life

(mmilī) -li

(of water) drown:

Ọ nà-àgbaku onye mmilī nà-àchọ ilī He is running to a

person about to drown

-li + 2.

v.:

-li ìzìzì

tickle:

Ọ nà-èli m#ìzìzì He is tickling me

-li 3.

ext. suff.1.

on; against

-fili

support

-meli

overcome

-lì

ext. suff.1.

reduce to small units; splinter; crush (something softer or

more fragile than -gwò)

171

-bèlì

cut into small pieces:

Achò m ibēlì anụ m gà-ènye nwa nkịtā I want to cut into

small pieces the meat I intend to give to the puppy

-gbalì

dissolve; crush; break into small pieces:

Mkpụlụ ọgwū dānyelụ n’ime mmīli agbalìgo The tablet

which has fallen into water has dissolved

-kụlì

break into pieces by knocking:

Ọ nà-àkụlì ajā She is breaking a piece of mud wall

-tilì

break (e.g. china, tilley-lamp)

-zòlì

reduce to powder or splinters by stepping on:

Ị nà-àzọlī m#ụkwụ You are stepping on my foot

-lì-lì

be very old (of thing):

Àfè m elilìgo My garment is already tattered

-lìlì èlilì

be old and tattered (of clothes); crumble (of a wall):

O yì àfe lilì èlilì She is wearing an old and tattered dress

lìlìlì

shivering or quivering state

-kpo lìlìlì

swarm (of bees)

-rù lìlìlì

shiver; quiver

-lị + 1.

climb; creep

òlịlị

a creeping, stroll

-lị alị

creep (of insects, etc.)

-lịdà

descend; go down

-lịfèta

climb over

-lịgo

climb

-lịgota

climb up

-lịkwàsị

climb upon; climb up again

-lịpù

alight from a vehicle

-lị ugwu

climb mountain, hill; move uphill

-lị 2.

ext. suff. 1.

for one's own benefit; to oneself

-kpachalị

(lit.) scrape for the benefit of oneself; (fig.) enjoy; scrounge:

Ọ nà-èje n’ebe a nà-aŋùlị aŋùlị nnwā ịmā mà ọ nwè ịfe ọ

gà-àfụ kpachalị She is going to the place where a naming

ceremony is going on to see whether there is something she

could get to eat (or, take away)

-kwàchalị

exclaim in pleasure or amusement; chuckle:

Gèe ntì, ị gà-ànụ kà Àda nà-akwàchalị Listen, you will hear

Ada chuckling to herself

-lachalị

lick; (fig.) make the most of; enjoy:

Ọ bụlụ nà ulù àdapùtalụ m#ebe m jèkò m lachalịa yā If I

get some profit (usu. unexpected) where I am going, I will

make the most of it

-mụlị, -kpùmùlì

smile; laugh

-ŋachalị

roast (for oneself):

172

Anà m èje iŋāchalị àbùba anū nnē nyèlù m I am going to

roast the animal fat that mother has given me

-lị, li 3.

ext. suff.1.

about; around (often combined with -gha 1.B)

-gòli

rejoice; make joyful noise:

Ànyị nà-egòli We are rejoicing

-jeghèli

wander about at random

-nòlị

sit around; sit around idly:

Ọgè ǹcha kà ọ nà-anòlị n’ụnō Āda He always sits around in

Ada's house

-ŋùlị

rejoice:

Gịnî kpàtà ijì aŋùlị? Why are you rejoicing?

-lị, -li 4.

ext. suff.3.

still:

Ì nòlìlị? Are you still here?

lì

enc.

indicates politeness (can follow verb or (pro)-noun):

Kwùe nyā lì Say it, the:

Jèelì afịa Please to go market:

Gwa m#lì ife i kwùlù Please tell me what you said:

Bìalì Please come!

-lì +

-lì òlìlì

announce news, usu. to summon people to a meeting

onye òlìlì

town-crier

-lị(-ta)

(deriv. suff.)

against; opposing; opposite:

Èbùnù naàbò nà-àkụlịta mpì n’ìlo Two rams are butting

their heads together outside

-kụlịta

knock against, together

-chelịta iru

face; direct gaze against, towards:

Ọ nà-èchelịta afīa iru It is facing the market

-lo 1.

be painful; ache

òlilo

being painful

-lo ilo

hurt; ache; be painful

àrụ ōlulo

weariness

ife ōlulo

hurt; pain

-lo 2.

be among; be one of:

Ebo lòlù na ndi a chụpùlù n’ọlụ Ebo was one of the people

dismissed from work

-lo elo

be useful; be fitting

-lo n’ife

be useful

-lo + 3.

v.:

-lo ilo

bear a grudge; be enemies

-lò

think (about a problem)

-lòchìgha

repent; reflect

-lò èlò

think

-lòfìè

think wrongly; be mistaken

173

-lògha

repent; change one's mind

nlògha

repentance; change of mind

-lo ìlìlò, ìlòlò

think; suggest

lòkene!

think, please! just think of it (usually of something bad)

-lòkọba

consider:

Anà m èlokòba ife o mè m I am thinking of all the things he

has done to me (good or bad)

-lòpùta

think out; suggest

-lòta, -lòte

remember

nlòta

remembrance

-lòtalụ

remind

-lòzọ

forget

nlòzọ

forgetfulness

alò

advice; suggestion

ọka elùlò, ọka ilòlò

counsellor; thinker; adviser

-lọ + 1.

v.:

-lọ mmụō

feast the dead; offer food to the ancestors

-lọ + 2.

bend; twist; be bent, twisted

-lọgò

be crooked, bent, winding, sinuous, tortuous:

Mkpịsị afù lò(lù) àlọ The spike is bent

-lọji

twist yam tendrils round the stake

-lọji onu

break the neck

-lọkọ

curl hair

-lò + 1.

dream

-lò nlọ

dream

-lò 2.

be thick (of liquids)

òlùlò

being thick

-lò àlò

be thick (of liquids):

O tègo m jì wèlụ èli ofe dī gololo, mà kịtāà achòlù m ilī ofe

lōlụ àlò For a long time I have been eating watery soups but

now I want to eat a thick soup

-lò + 3.

v.:

-lò anya

eye; look at angrily or with contempt:

Ọ nà-alō m#anya She is eyeing me

-lu 1.

reach; arrive at; amount to; reach a time:

O lūe It is time:

Ò lue mgbè afù, ... When it was time, ...:

Ò luzịa It happened; it came to pass; then

-lu aka

receive; reach

-lu anì

arrive at a settlement, conclusion

-lu àrụ

receive; reach

-lu ogō

reach age (for doing particular things); perform ceremony (for

girl reaching puberty); be able to

174

-lute

arrive at; reach

-lu 2.

grow; breed

-lu arụrụ

breed worms

-lu dòtị

be dirty, filthy

-lu inyi

be dirty

-lute

grow (head hair)

-lu 3.

overflow, rise (of river in rainy season):

Òrìmmìlì lùù n’arō à The Niger has overflowed this year

-lukpù

overflow; drown; submerge

-lusà

overflow; spread

mmili ōlulu

rising of water at flood-time

-lù 1.

A. become soft; soften

B. (of pears) soften by warming (in hot ashes, water, etc.)

C. (of cassava) become soft by fermentation

-lù èlù

become soft

-lù 2.

threaten (of rain):

Mmilī nà-elù Rain is threatening

-lùchì

obscure (sun, of clouds)

-lụ 1.

work; construct; make:

Ọ nà-àlụ ọlū He is working

òlụlụ

A. working; constructing; making

B. work; task; work to be done; working:

Òlili nà òlụlû dì be m#There is plenty of eating and working

in my house

-lụ ajō ọlụ

do work badly:

Ọ nà-àlụ ajō ọlụ He is a bad worker

-lụcha ànì

cultivate land; clear weeds

-lụmì

go far with a task:

Ndù àlụmìgo ugbō yā Ndụ has gone very far in the

cultivation of his farm

-lụni

build up

-lụnwù

rebuild

-lụ ọlụ

work

-lụsị

finish a piece of work:

Alūsịgo m#ọlụ m#I have finished my work

-lụsi ike

work hard, energetically

-lụta

earn

-lụ ugbo

work a farm

-lụ ụnò

build a house

ọlụ

work; labour; profession; task

-lụ + 2.

v.:

-lụ àrụ ụkà

be self-controlled

-lụlịta ụkà

debate; discuss

175

-lụ onwē ụkà

be disciplined, self-controlled:

Ọ nà-àlụ onwe yā ụkà He is self-controlled

-lụ ụkà

dispute with; argue

-lụ + 3.

defile; desecrate; be faulty, defective

-lụ afọ

have stomach-ache

-lụ alū

be defiled, corrupt; commit abomination

-lụ ànì

commit abomination, havoc, treachery:

Ibè lùlù ànì Ibe committed an abomination

-lụ (nni) ọgwù

A. neutralise effect of poison:

Anà m èje ịkpō dibīa ga-alụ ọgwù ànyị lòlù nà e tìnyèlù

n’ime nni e bùnyèlù ànyị I am going to call a native doctor

who is going to neutralise the effect of the poison we think

has been added to the food offered to us

B. (fig.) To prove that food and drink presented by the host to

his guests have not been poisoned, the host usually tastes from

every eatable thing presented before allowing his guests to

have their share. This tradition is called ịlū ọgwù:

Bikō kpòọ di bī ụnò kà ọ bịa lụalụ ānyị nni ọgwù Please

call the master of the house to come and taste the eatables

(traditionally, to prove absence of poisoning)

àrụ ōlụlụ

state of being maimed or spiritually unclean

-lụ 4.

see -la 2.

-lụ 5., -lu, -lị, -li

infl. suff.

(-lu after o u, -lị after ị, -li after i) neutral tense marker,

denoting past with action verbs and present with non-

alternating stative verbs:

Ì lìlì gịnī? What did you eat?

Fâ jèlù afịa They went to market:

Àdâ màlù mmā Ada is beautiful:

Ọ chòlù egō He wants money. With alternating stative verbs,

its absence denotes present time and its presence past time:

Àdâ bù ìtè Ada is carrying a pot:

Àdâ bùlù ìtè Ada carried a pot. It is often reduced to -V (i.e. a

vowel identical with the preceding vowel) or entirely dropped:

Kèdụ mgbè i jìlì/jìì/jì bịa? When did you come?:

Ọ rìlì/rìì/rì enū He climbed up. When followed by another

suffix of the same shape (i.e. -lụ 6 or -lụ 7.), the first one is

dropped entirely if the sentence is unemphatic and reduced to

-V if the sentence is emphatic:

O sìlì yà nni She cooked food for him:

O sììlì yà nni She did cook food for him (-lụ 5. + -lụ 6.)

Edèlù m nyà akwụkwọ I wrote to him:

Edèèlù m nyà akwụkwọ I did write to him (-lụ 5. + -lụ 6.):

Bikō nyèlụ yā aka chìkọọlụ yā òlòma dī n’ime ụnò Please

help her gather and take away the oranges in the room (-lụ 5.

176

+ -lụ 6.; more emphatic than chìkọlụ, implying that the

oranges are scattered and take longer to collect:

Achò m kà ị gokọọlụ m#ōkụkò abùke n’afịa I want you to

help go round in the market and buy me abuke fowls (-lụ 5. +

-lụ 6. more emphatic than gokọlụ, implying that every single

one from all parts of the market must be bought):

Ọ gbàwàlù ọsọ He ran away (at the first sight of danger):

Ọ gbàwààlù ọsọ He ran away (in the midst of the battle) (-lụ

5. + -lụ 7.)

-lụ 6., -lu, -lị, -li

ext. suff. 1.

(-lu after o u, -lị after ị, -i after i; follows inflectional suffixes)

dative suffix, denoting that the action is done to or for the

benefit of the indirect object:

Ọ zūtagolu m#ewu He has bought a goat for me. If there is no

indirect object, it is understood to be for the benefit of the

subject (reflexive):

Bùlu jī Carry yams (for yourself). For rules of combination

with -lụ 5. (neutral), see under -lụ 5.

-fụtalụ

discover for

-gotelụ

buy for

-lụ 7.

ext. suff. 1.

(-lu after o u, -lị after ị, -li after i) ablative suffix denoting

from, away:

Ọ zūgolu m#ewu He has bought a goat from me (note contrast

in meaning with:

Ọ zūgolu m#ewu He has bought a goat for me (usually,

unambiguously, zūtagolu m), proving that this is a different

suffix from -lụ 6.). For rules of combination with -lụ 5., see -

lụ 5

-gbawalụ

run away

-kpọkọlụ

gather together and take away

-ŋụlụ

drink from

-wèlụ

take; take away; take from

-lù 1.

stick in, out

-lù aka

point out; put finger on

-lùdo

A. stick in

B. persist

-lùdo osisi

stick a stick into the ground

-lùnye aka

poke finger into

-lù + 2.

v.:

-lù ụkwụ

limp

-lù + 3.

v.:

-lù ụla

be sleepy

-lù 4.

ext. suff. 1.

(cf. -lụ 3.) polluting; spoiling

-gbalù

pollute by mixing

-tilù àrụ

bruise

177

-tụlù

roll in; wallow

pron.

(independent; 1st person singular; cf. e-/a-...m) I; me; my:

Ọ kpòlù m He called me:

Kà m je

Let me go:

aka m#

my hand

-ma 1.

know; be familiar with; know how (to do something):

Àmà m? Do I know?

Ì mà ebe o sì bịa? Do you know where he comes from?

Ànyị amārọ ànì We (as strangers) don’t know this place:

Ọ mààlù anyà ụgbọ He drives well:

Ì mààlù àgụ akwụkwọ? Can you read?:

Ò marō ède ifē He doesn’t know how to write:

Ò marō ǹke bù aka nnī nà aka èkpè He doesn’t know his

left from his right

òmụma

knowing; knowledge

-ma akwụkwọ

be literate, brainy

-ma amụma

prophesy; foretell

-ma anya

be familiar with; attract; be good at doing something:

Nni m mààlù anya yā bù ji My usual food is yam:

Ọ mààlù anya akwà He's a good judge of cloth

-ma àrụ

become customary:

Ịtēta ụla n’elekele īse ụtụtù àmalụgo m#arụ I have become

used to waking up at five o'clock in the mọrning

-machasịlị

know well

-ma ife

have sense; be wise

-ma isì

smell

-ma ìzù

be prudent:

Ọ mààlù ìzù He's prudent

-malụ afà

be well-known, important:

Nwoke afù bù onye a màlù afà ya The man is well-known

-malụ aka

be friendly, familiar with

-ma nnwokē

not to be in state of virginity (of woman) (lit. know a man):

Nwatà nwaànyì afù akā àmarọ nwokē The young girl has

not known a man

-ma obì

know one's own mind:

Ò marō obì ya He doesn’t know his own mind, or, He's fickle

-ma ògò

be grateful, polite, well-behaved, modest, courteous:

Ọ dī àma ògò He is not usually grateful

-mata

understand:

178

Ì màtàlù ife m kwùlù? Do you understand what I said?

-ma ùma

do on purpose; act wilfully, knowingly, deliberately:

Ọ mà ùma wèe me yā She did it on purpose

-ma ùnò

be tame, domesticated (of animal)

-mazi

direct; explain to (e.g. a way of doing something):

Anà m èje ịyō Ibè kà ọ mazielụ m#etu m gà-èsi je nnukwu

ụnò ọgwū dī n’Ìbàdàn a nà-àkpọ UCH ghàlụ ifù ụzò I am

going to beg Ibe to direct me as to how to reach the big

hospital at Ibadan called UCH without missing the way

-mazù

know all; understand fully

adī àma āma

perhaps; maybe; in case of

amā

(negative form), used in many negative noun phrases, e.g.:

amā ama/ife

ignorance:

Ife o jì dàa nnene akwụkwọ bù amā ama What made him

fail the examination was ignorance:

Amā ama adī ègbu amà àmà Something you don’t know of

won’t kill you

amā ndị a nà-ezè

failure to know the people to be avoided

amā nnà

lack of respect for father:

Jọǹ bù amā nnà John does not respect his father

amā oku ọnū

inability to express oneself freely; inarticulateness

amā onwe

senselessness; unconsciousness

amā ògò

ingratitude; ungrateful person

amā uchē Chukwu

inability to understand God's ways

amā ụma,

mistakenly

amānụma

Àmà-àma-amāsị-

A. one known but never fully (praise-name of God)

amasị

B. title-name for masquerade

àmàmife

knowledge; wisdom

oke àmàmife

great wisdom

-ma 2.

A. jump

-ma ama

hop

-mafè

leap over

-mafù obì

take the breath away

-magolu ànyìnyà

mount a horse

-maghalị

jump about

-mani enū

leap, jump

-ma n’ọnyà

be caught in a trap

B. shake

-maghalị

shake (a vessel containing liquid)

-ma lìlì

shiver

-marùbe

shake; move

179

ànì mmarùbe

earthquake

ànị ōma jìjìjì

earthquake

(àrụ) -ma nni

tremble

-ma + 3.

stab; throw; pierce; stick in

-maghalị

throw about

-ma mmà

pierce, strike with sword, matchet; stab:

Màa yā mmà! Stab him!

-manye

attack with violence; force; persecute; assault

-ma osisi

plant a live stick, slip or cutting

-ma òla

slap

-mapu

pierce (with knife, spear, etc.)

-mapù

ostracise

mmapù

ostracism

-mapù imi

blow the nose

-ma ubè

pierce with a spear

-ma ùla, òla

slap the face with the open hand

-ma 4.

A. mould

-makọ

compress together

-ma mkpūlu

make an earthbed, mound

-ma òkpokō

mould large morsel of pounded food (idiomatic)

-ma òkpoko ụtàlà

mould large morsel of pounded fufu

òmụma ụnō īkwuù

encampment

B. stick together; stick to; compress together; pile up

-ma àbùbà

be fatty, plumpy

-mado

stick; be sticky

-ma èbù

become mouldy

-makù

embrace

-makùdo

stick; stick to

-makpù

lie on the stomach

-dinà mmakpù

lie on the stomach

-ma + 5.

v.:

Ọ māka! Good! It is very good, beautiful!

-ma mmā

be good; be beautiful, handsome:

Nnwatà nwokē afù màlù oke mmā The young man is very

handsome

òfụma

well

-ma 6.

beat (of rain and sun)

-madè

be beaten by rain to the skin (of humans); be beaten soggy by

rain (of articles)

-malì àmalì

be drenched thoroughly

-ma 7.

wrap; tie

òmụma

wrapping

-ma akwà

wear, tie wrapper; be dressed in wrapper (cf. -mà ògòdò)

180

-makwụ

tie

-ma ògòdò = -ma

wear, tie wrapper, be dressed in wrapper

akwà

akwā ōmụma

blanket; wrapper

-ma + 8.

announce

-ma àtù

point at for illustration, as an example, a model; compare to

-ma ikpe

condemn; be condemned:

A màlù yà ikpe He was condemned

àmàmikpe

condemnation, conviction (in case)

-ma ìwu

make, enact law

-ma ọkwà

announce; give public notice

-ma 9.

rub; press

-malà

rub; stroke; soothe; massage

-makù

bring near

-makùta

clasp to body

-malù obì

soothe the heart

-ma mmilī

press sprain, etc., with cloth dipped in hot water

-ma + 10.

v.:

-ma ọsò

suck the teeth (in contempt, etc.)

-ma 11.

v.:

(agwa) -ma

miss

(agwa)ụnò) -ma

be homesick

Agwa ụnò nà-àma m#I am homesick

-ma 12.

aux. v.

marks the future negative tenses:

Chikē amā-abịa Chike will not come (future negative):

Chikē amā na-ègo jī Chike will not be (habitually) buying

yams (future progressive negative, used in main clauses, cf. -

ga 3.):

Chikē amā egogo jī Chike will/must not have bought yams

(future perfect negative):

Chikē amā na-ègogo jī Chikē will not have been (habitually)

buying yams/Chike can’t have been buying yams (future

progressive perfect negative)

mà

conj.

but; if; whether:

Jùa nnwokē afù mà ò gà-àbịa echī Ask the man whether he

will come tomorrow

màkà

on account of; lest; concerning; for; for the sake of; because:

Kèdụ màkà gị nwà? And how about you?

màkà gịnī

why? because of what?

màkà ifì

for the sake of; because of

màkà nà

because; for; since

màkà ya

therefore; consequently

mà ... mà

both ... and:

181

mà ji mà ọkà

both yam and maize (= kà ... kà)

mà ǹcha

not at all; none (used with negative):

Àrụ esògbugo m#ọnwa īsiì; kịtāà, ènwerō m egō mà ǹcha I

have been ill for six months; now, I have no money at all

(implying 'not even a kobo')

mà ò bù

either; or; neither - nor:

Achòlù m onye ēnyemaka mà ò bù nwokē mà ò bù

nwaànyì I need a helper, man or woman:

Zùta ewu mà ò bù atụlū Buy a goat or a sheep

-mà

measure (a quantity, e.g. salt or beans with cup, etc.)

-màta

buy (something measured)

maàzị

mister (of Ndizụògù origin)

-ma-ji

fold over; double

mmaji

folding; doubling

mmaji naàbò

two-fold

màkà

see mà 1.

màlàmàlà

glittering quality

-gbu màlàmàlà

glitter

-nwu màlàmàlà

be dazzling

mangòlò

mango (Mangifera indica Linn.) (< H.)

mbà 1.

nation; tribe; (another person’s) town:

Òje mbà enwē ilo A traveller rarely has enemies:

ndị mbā ānyị people of our nation:

Kà m je mbà Let me go to another town

enyi mbà

'Elephant people' (referring to the Igbo)

mbà! 2.

int.

no! (emphatic) (cf. èe è)

mba 1.

scolding; bluster; bitter complaining

-ba mba

scold; rebuke; "howl":

Ọ nà-àbalụ yā mba She is scolding her:

Àda ètiwago ìtè, nne ānyị gà-àba mba ogè ọ nàtàlù Ada has

broken a pot; mother will complain when she returns

mba 2.

cat

nwa mba

cat (cf. nwa ōnogbò)

mbà

extreme tiredness; exhaustion; faintness

-dà mbà

be very tired and exhausted; be tired by a task to the extent

that one can no longer go on with it; be worn out

Proverb

Ugwu kà a gà-àlị The hill, we shall climb

Mbà kà a gà-adà Faintness, we shall feel

(This short proverbial expression is used when facing a

difficult task which cannot be avoided.)

mbacha

peelings (of yam, etc.) (from -ba-cha peel)

mbadamba

flatness

182

mbala

outside:

Pùa mbala Go outside

mbala ēzi

compound inside walls (contrast ìlo)

mbalā

A. spaciousness; roominess; wideness

-dị mbalā

be spacious, wide:

Ebe à dì mbalā This place is spacious

-sa mbalā

be wide:

Afele à sà mbalā This plate is wide

B. compound; pack; open space in town

mbàla

kind of edible frog with long hind legs

mbàzù

tool for digging

mbè

see mbèkwù

mbe 1.

pledge; security

mbe 2.

Pygmy Mouse (Mus minutoides)

mbè 1.

small calabash for measuring salt

mbè 2.

used in:

mbè n’ukwù

skirt; native skirt worn as underwear

mbèbèlè

used in:

mbèbèlè anyā

eyelid

mbèkwù, mbè

tortoise (male)

nkekele mbè

tortoise shell

okpulukpu mbè

tortoise shell

mbèlède

suddenness;

Ọ bìàkwùtè m nà mbèlède He came to me suddenly:

ife mbèlède

chance; accident

mbèmbè

small black edible fruit of ilighìlì

mbì

used in:

-ru mbì

lie in wait; set an ambush

mbìbì

borrowing (-bì 3. borrow)

-gba mbìbì

borrow; go about borrowing:

Ogè niīne kà ọ nà-àgba mbìbì egō He always goes about

borrowing money

mbìdo

pressing; repressing (-bìdo press)

mbìgbọ

scolding; storming; uproar

mbìàmbịa

stranger; squatter

mbọ

nail (of toe or finger); claw

-dọ mbọ

tear with nails

-gà mbọ

scratch with nails

-gba mbọ

pare nails

-rọ mbọ

pinch, scratch with nails

-tù mbọ

pinch with fingernails

mbò 1.

revenge

-bò mbò

seek revenge with blood:

183

Ànyị jèkò ịbò mbò We are going to take revenge

mbò 2.

effort; struggle; industry; enterprise

-gba mbò

strive; attempt; try hard; persist; be enterprising, industrious

mbòcha

curiosity; inquisitiveness (-bòcha)

mbòsì

see ụbòsì

mbùmbu

bogeyman (a creature that will carry bad children away) (=

ǹtaǹta)

mbụ

one (in counting only); (the) first:

Èkê bù onye ǹke mbụ Eke is in the first place

ife mbụ

the first thing

ogē mbụ

at first; initially

ụbòsị mbụ

the first day:

Taà bù ụbòsị mbụ n’ọnwa Today is the first day of the

month

mbùbò

peel (of fruit)

-me

do; act; make; happen; cause

òmume

doing; acting; making; happening;

Ò gịnī mèlù ya? What has happened to him?

-me àgadī

be old, decrepit

-me àgbọò

do as, be a young woman

-me àghalā

be troublesome, rascally

-me àkàjè

humiliate; disgrace

-me aka ntụtù

be fond of pilfering, picking and stealing

-me alū

commit abomination; break taboo; do something traditionally

forbidden

-me ànwàǹsì

conjure; perform magic

-me anya ụlā

be drowsy

-me arìma

make a sign, signal

-me àsalà

be polite

-mebe

prepare; make (ready)

-mebì

keep in disorder; spoil:

O mebì ife à nụnwà He spoilt this very thing:

Ajọ ūkpa nà-èmebì nnwatà Bad influences spoil a child

mmebì

mess; spoiling; ruin

-mebì ìwu

commit crime, offence; break law; sin

mmebī īwu

crime

-mecha imi

wipe the nose

-mechi

shut, close (eye, mouth, window, door, book); close down:

O mèchì ụzò He shut the door:

Àyị èmechigo òzụzụ afịa āyi We have wound up our

business

-mechi ọnū

hush; shut up

-mechite

close door behind one:

184

O mèchìtè ụzò He shut the door behind himself

-me èbelè

take pity on; be sorry for; have mercy on:

Èbelè yâ mèlù m I am full of pity for him

-me èbùbè

beautify; decorate:

O mèlù akwà afù èbùbè He decorated the cloth

-mefìè

do wrong; sin

mmefìè

crime; transgression; wrongdoing

-mefù

spend lavishly; waste

-megide, -mejide

act against

-megbu

oppress; ill-treat

mmegbu

oppression

-meghalị

move round; stir; shake

-meghe

open (eye, window, door) (cf. -sàghe)

-meghèli anya

confuse

-meghepù, -mepù

undo; loose; unfasten; open

-megwalụ

take revenge

-me ifelē

put to shame

-me imē

be in labour; travail

-me isi ikē

be headstrong

-mejọ

injure

mmejọ

injury

-meju

fill

-mekà àrụ

trouble; bother

-mekàta, -mekata

do for a long time

-mekọ

act together; have intercourse with; fraternise with

mmekọ

companionship; partnership; intercourse

-mekọta

happen together:

Ife naàbò afù mèkòtàlù The two events were simultaneous

-me

be cranky and noisy (refers esp. to noise made by an old

kpakalakpakala

bicycle)

-me kpukpulukpu

become stiff, firm

-mekwàsị

repeat (action)

-mekwọlụ

take revenge

-me kwùlìkwùlì

behave like a harmless madman

-mekwulu

return; do in return; take revenge

-meli

overcome (person); win:

Ọō mụ nwà mèlìlì n’ọsọ afù It was I that won the race

mmeli

victory

abù mmeli

song of victory

-melụ

defile; do a forbidden thing:

Fâ mèlùlù ụnò ụkà They desecrated the church

-melụ àrụ

hurt; wound:

Emèlù m àrụ I hurt myself

185

-me mgbagò

be bent, crooked, curved

-me mgbagha

dispute

-me mgbalì

be slender, slim

-me mgbanwè

be changed

-me mpàko

be proud, pompous, arrogant, aloof

-meni

stir up

-me n’ike

do violently, forcibly

-me nkwà

keep, fulfil a promise

-me nni

be fertile (of land)

-me n’ogè

be punctual; do something in good time

-me nsọ

break a prohibition; do a forbidden thing

-me ntado

be tight (e.g. as undersized shirt, etc.)

-me ntiwa

be broken

-me nzofù

hide away; become perpetually hidden

-menye ifelē n’iru

make ashamed of oneself (lit. bring shame to one's face):

Ifelē mèlù onye àbànìdìegwu afù mgbè a kpùtàlù ya n’ụnò

ikpē The robber was ashamed of himself when he was

brought before the court

-menyụ

extinguish

-me okènyè

be aged, elderly, old

-me okolobìà

do as, be a young man

-me ògò

be kind to; do a kindness to

-me òzọ

repeat; do again

-mesì

counteract pain of

-mesì ọnya

dress a fresh wound

-mesị

finish

-mesò

deal with; treat; do to

-meta

be exact; imitate correctly

-mete

rouse

-mete n’ụla

waken; rouse from sleep:

Jèe mètee Ndù nụụla Go and rouse Ndụ from sleep

-metò

spoil; defile

mmetò

defilement; dishonour; disgrace

-metụ

touch

-metụ aka

touch lightly:

O mètù m~aka He touched me (with the hand)

-me ụŋàlà

make noise with mouth or horn (esp. to attract attention)

-mezi

correct; repair:

Mèzie ife m#mebìlù Correct my mistakes!

akâ mèlù

illicit gin (lit. made by hand)

Ànìèmeka

male name (lit. The land has done very well)

emē eme

something that is not done

e mekàta

after a while

186

e mesia

afterwards

ọmā koòmè = ọmā

ka ò mè however it

may be

-pù imē

be able to do

apù imē

inability to do; impossibility

mèlịmpụ

of no consequence:

Onye à bù mèlịmpụ This person is of no consequence

mfe

lightness; ease

àrụ mfe

good health; activity

-dị mfe

be light:

Ọ dì mfe It is light

-gba mfe

be light:

Ọ gbà mfe It is light

mfù

loss (-fù lose)

mfùkọ

used in:

mfùkọ akwà

crease

mgba

used in:

mgba akā, mgbà

ring

akā

mgbā

wax; glue

mgba

wrestling (-gba 1.E. wrestle)

mgba n’ògù

strife; conflict

di mgba

A. wrestler

B. convulsions (because the child suffering a convulsive

attack behaves like a person who is wrestling, in this case with

an unseen wrestler)

-gba mgba

struggle; wrestle

ògba mgba

wrestler

-yọ mgba

challenge to a wrestling contest

mgbà + 1.

used in:

mgbà arò

a year

mgbà 2.

see mgba

mgbaàjàlà

whip

mgbàchi

stopping of a gap; blocking; counteracting; thwarting;

interposition

mgbadà

level ground, as opposed to a hill

mgbàdà

Maxwell's duiker

mgbafịlị

small type of yam which cannot be replanted but only eaten (=

mkpụlù)

mgbagò

state of being bent

mgbaghàlụ

forgiveness

mgbaka

sour, tart taste (as of unripe fruit)

187

mgbakà

used in:

mgbakā ārụ

uneasiness of body; irritation

àrụ mgbakà

fidgeting

mgbàkalakòm

see mkpàkalakòm

mgbasịlị

used in:

mgbasịlị akā

finger-ring

mgbè

time; period; when (cf. ogè)

mgbè afù

then; at that time

mgbè ǹcha

always; at all times

mgbè niīne

all times; every time

mgbe ōbụnà

any time; every time:

Ị nwè ike ịbīa ebe à mgbe ōbụnà ị chòlù You can come here

any time you wish

mgbè ochīè

olden days

mgbè ọkōchì

time of dry season

mgbèdè, mgbèdè

late afternoon; early evening (from when sun is getting low

till dusk)

mgbèdè anyàsì

late in the evening; evening:

Ọ gà-àbịa ebe à na mgbèdè anyàsì She will come here late

in the evening

kwà mgbèdè

every evening

mgbelē

trading

-tụ mgbelē

trade; retail

mgbịlịmgba

bell

-kụ mgbịlịmgba

ring bell

mgbō

kind of shutter or door; plank used as kneading-board for clay

mgbō

bullet

mgbòlòdị

waterleaf (Talinum triangulare)

mgbu

painfulness; pain

àrụ mgbu

illness:

O nwè àrụ mgbu He is ill

-gbu mgbu

be painful, hurtful:

Ọ nà-ègbu m#mgbu It is hurting me

ife mgbu

painful, hurtful, thing

mgbùlùgùdù

abyss; place at bottom of a cliff or steep hill

mgbụgbò

covering; bark; skin

mgbụgbō ākwa

eggshell

mgbụgbō ārụ

skin

-mì

be deep; be depressed inwards

òmìmì

depth; (fig.) importance:

Ọ dì òmìmì It is deep

-mì èmì

be deep, skilled, mysterious

-mìkpọ

burst out crying after suppressed sobbing

188

-mì òmìmì

dive

-mì ọnū

draw in the mouth; pout; be envious

-mị 1.

dry (usually over fire)

òmịmị

drying

-mị azù

dry fish

-mịkpọ

dry (fish, corn, etc.)

-mị 2.

slip; move smoothly

òmịmị

slipping

-mị àmị

be slippery:

Ọ nà-àmị āmị It is slippery

-mịbà

plunge; sink in; enter stealthily

-mịghalị

loiter about; walk stealthily about

-mị mmà

draw sword, matchet

-mịnye

sheathe (knife, etc.)

-mì 1.

suck

òmìmì

sucking

-mìkpọ akwa

sob

-mìlị

suck

-mì + 2.

v.:

-mì mkpụlū

bear fruit

mkpà 1.

need; difficulty; necessity (from -kpà 2. be needful)

-dị mkpà

be necessary, needful, essential, important:

Igwè dì m mkpà I need a bicycle:

Ọ dì mkpà nà nne nà nnā ōbụnà gà-azùnite ụmù fa n’ụzò

ezi òmùme nà ịtū egwūū Chinēkè It is important that all

parents should bring up their children in the way of

righteousness and the fear of God

-gbò mkpà

be useful

-nò na mkpà

be in difficulty:

Anò m na mkpà I am in difficulty

oke mkpà

great need

mkpà 2.

used in:

mkpà edè

room where cocoyams are stored

mkpa 1.

scarcity; fewness (cf. ùkọ)

-kpa mkpa

be few, scarce

mkpa 2.

used in:

mkpa ākwụkwọ

(shed) leaf, leaves

mkpa 3.

used in:

-kpa mkpa

seek diligently

mkpà 1.

forceps; tongs

mkpa akā

biceps

mkpà 2.

holding; captivity; restriction; imprisonment (from -kpà 1.

grip)

189

kpà mkpà

capture; kidnap

mkpà n’aka

walking stick; staff (lit. what is held in hand)

mkpà ǹsịkō

cramp; pins-and-needles (= tịtaǹgwèlè)

mkpà 3.

one stake full of yams tied in a barn

di mkpà

strong young man, originally one who could cultivate many

yams

mkpaàkịlịka

small black millipede, usually seen on grass-thatched houses

after rain

mkpàkalakòm,

centipede (smaller than esu/alịlị)

mgbàkalakòm

mkpàkànà

steel trap (= ọnyà igwè)

mkpàla 1.

cane, e.g. midrib of mkpàla egbò, the boundary tree

Dracaena fragrans (Linn.) Ker-Gawl.

mkpàla 2.

(also ute mkpàla) type of mat which can be used for building

ìgbùdù or as shelter (= ute Ādo)

mkpalị

insult; abuse

ife mkpalị

scorn; mockery; disrespect

okwu mkpalị

insulting word

mkpi

he-goat

mkpiliīte

small wooden mortar used for grinding pepper

mkpìlìkpì

fragment, small piece, stump (of something long, e.g. snake,

yam, etc.)

nwa mkpìlìkpì

very small; short

nwa mkpìlìkpì ogè

moment: minute; very short time

mkpìlìsì

shortness; broken portion

mkpìlìsì osisi

stump of tree

mkpì

section (as of seed or nut)

mkpịsī

any object shaped like a ramrod with pointed tip; spike

mkpịsị akā

finger

mkpịsị, (mkpala)

ramrod

egbè

mkpịsị igwè

spoke (e.g. of bicycle)

mkpịsị ǹgù

rib

mkpịsị (nnī)

spike used for bringing boiled pieces of yam or meat out of

the pot

mkpịsị ụkwū

toe

mkpogo,

steep place; cliff

mkpogomkpo

mkpomkpo

rubbish-heap; rubbish

mkpò

small box; can

mkpò anwūlù

snuff-box

mkpò tanjele

special container for òtanjele

mkpō ūtabà

snuff-box

190

mkpọ

n. 1.

walking-stick

mkpọ

n. 2.

pole (= utum)

mkpọ àchàlà

bamboo pole

mkpọchi

A. locking

B. button (from -kpọchi lock)

mkpọchi n’iru

anything fastened on forehead or in front of (something)

mkpòdù

kind of shrub

mkpọlō

A. rod; bar

B. confinement; imprisonment

-tụ mkpọlọ

imprison:

A tūgo òyì m mkpọlọ My friend has been jailed:

ụnō mkpọlọ

prison

mkpòlògwùgwù,

root

mkpòlògwù

-gba(do)

take root

mkpòlògwù

-gbamì mkpòlògwù

send roots deep

-gbanye

be rooted in; be connected with a place by birth

mkpòlògwù

-pu

take root

mkpòlògwùgwù

mkpọmkpọ

A. broken-down object; ruinous, ruined, waste (wall, house):

Ǹkaà bù mkpọmkpọ ụnò This is a dilapidated house:

Oke mmàdù adīrọ èbi na mkpọmkpọ ụnò A great man

never lives in a dilapidated house

B. poor, despised, hopeless (of person)

mkpọmkpọ

a poor, despised, hopeless man:

mmàdù

Àdịrō m#àchọ kà mụ nà mkpọmkpọ mmàdù bìli n’òfu ụnò

I never want to live in the same house as a poor despised man

mkpọniiru

anything fastened on forehead or in front of (something)

mkpu 1.

loud cry; shout; call for help

-rì mkpu

cry out in horror

-ti mkpu

shout, call for help; raise the alarm

Ònye nà-èti mkpū? Who is shouting (for help)?

mkpu 2.

A. ant-hill

B. termite

obì mkpū

queen termite

mkpu

ceremonies performed for girls reaching puberty

mkpukè

woman’s house, contrasted with the òbi of a man (= ùsokwū)

mkpukpu

hunch (on back); lump

-kwà mkpukpu

be hunchbacked

mkpūlu

mound of earth

191

-ma mkpūlu

make a bed of earth, mound

-tụ mkpūlu

make raised beds for planting

mkpumè

stone; rock

mkpù

small group (contrast ikpo):

Fâ kwù na mkpù na mkpù They are standing about in little

groups

mkpù ọfīa

small patch of bush left in middle of cleared area

mkpù

carpenter's plane (-kpù 2. scrape)

mkpụkpọ

nail; peg (from -kpọ 3. nail)

mkpùkpò

a ritual or dramatic chant or cry, esp. in the contexts below

-ti mkpùkpò

A. praise someone and remind him of what his forefathers did,

sometimes to encourage him to undertake new enterprises;

chant praise-poetry

B. in sorrow, praise the dead in mourning, usually by

someone close to the deceased

C. raise the alarm, as death (cf. -ti mkpu)

mkpụlū

A. seed; fruit

mkpụlụ akū

palm kernel

mkpụlụ jī

seed-yam

mkpụlụ osè

seed of pepper

mkpụlụ osisi

fruit

-gha mkpụlū

sow seeds (broadcast)

-mì mkpụlū

bear fruit

ǹga mkpụlụ ọkà

life imprisonment (lit. imprisonment of grains of maize; from

idea that each year was represented by a single grain of maize)

B. (fig.) object of fruit or seed-like shape, e.g. pill, tablet

mkpụlụ amū

a smile

mkpụlụ amù

testicle

mkpụlụ anyā

eyeball

mkpụlụ egō

cowrie; coin; shilling

mkpụlụ mmīli

hail; drops of rain

mkpụlụ obì

heart; soul

anya mkpūlụ egō

eye with pupil whitened by disease

C. (fig.) fruit; seed; offspring; descendant:

Nwa ǹkaà dì kà mkpụlụ Èzènwiìlè This child looks like a

descendant of Ezenwiile

D. (fig.) fruit, result (of deed):

Ibè nò n’ime oke afụfụ, ọ bù mkpụlụ njō yā kà ọ nà-

àghọlụ Ibe is in great trouble; he is reaping the fruit of his sin

E. (fig.) individual

mkpụlụ ụbòsì

a day

F. (fig.) small number (out of large total number); handful:

Ò bù gịnī kpàtàlù o jì wèe bụlụ sòọsò mkpụlụ mmādù ìtọ

192

bìàlù ụkà n’ùtụtū à? Why is it that only three persons

attended the service this morning?

mkpụlụ ogè

few moments

òfu mkpụlū

only one

mkpùlù

kind of bean - small and round. Unlike other beans, the plant

is a shrub and not a creeping plant

mkpụlù

something roundish and smooth, e.g. shot-putt

mkpụlū jī

small yam, soft and roundish, usually eaten (= mgbafịlị)

mkpụmkpụ 1.

shortness

mkpụmkpụ

short person

mmadù

mkpụmkpụ 2.

a bare dry place

mkpùna

hernia

mmā

goodness; beauty; prosperity

mma ārụ

physical beauty

mmā mma

A. well

B. go well! safe journey! (greeting to a person returning

home)

àda mmā

A. fine daughter (used to praise a small girl)

B. female name

-chọ mmā

decorate; ornament

-dị mmā

be good, beautiful, well, satisfactory, friendly:

Ọ dì mmā It is good

Mụ nà yâ dì mmā He and I are friendly

-ka mmā

be better than

-ma mmā

be beautiful

mmà

knife; sword; matchet

mmà awụsa

Hausa dagger

mmà ekwū

small kitchen knife

mmà iru naàbò

A. two-edged knife

B. unreliable person

mmā ògè

matchet; cutlass

mmà ọdū

saw

iru mmà

edge (of a knife)

-kpụ mmà

manufacture cutlass

-ma mmà

pierce or strike with a sword or hatchet; stab

-mị mmà

draw the sword or matchet

ọbọ mmà

sheath of knife

ọnụ mmà

edge of a sword

-so mmà

sharpen knife, matchet

-sù mmà

stab

mmà

a measure (by container, of any size) (from -mà measure)

mmadù, mmadù,

person; human being

193

madù

mmadù ìtọ

three persons:

Achò m mmadù ìtọ I need three persons

mmadū nkịtị

A. ordinary person; man in the street

B. a useless person

mmadū ōbụnà

everybody; any, every person

-gba mmadù

buy, pawn person

ìgwe mmadù

a large crowd

mkpọmkpọ

a poor, despised, hopeless man

mmadù

mkpụlụ mmadù

few people

mkpụmkpụ

a short person

mmadù

ngịlịga mmadù

stupid, hopeless person; ruffian

nkịlịka mmadù

rough, rascally person

nwa mmadù

freeborn person; well-behaved person

ògbugbu mmadù

manslaughter; murder

ògbu mmadù

A. "man-killer"; a much-coveted honour in the olden days

conferred on anyone who possessed a human head

B. murderer

oke mmadù

a man of great reputation

okpotokpo mmadù

huge person; person of big build

òli mmadù

cannibal

òra mmadù

the public; the people

ùwa mmadù

the world of men

-wò àchụ mādù

become man

mmakwu

loop

mmanụ, mmanụ,

oil, esp. palm oil

manụ

mmanụ anwū

honey

mmanụ òpàpa

groundnut oil

ịbà mmānụ

jaundice accompanied by pronounced coloration of the

eyeballs, fingernails and sometimes skin

-kpa mmanụ

buy oil

-kpe mmanụ

smear with oil

onye mmānụ

oil-seller

ponì mmānụ

cask, puncheon of palm oil

-te mmanụ

anoint with oil; paint, coat, smear with oil

mmanwụ,

masquerade

mmanwụ, manwụ

ǹne mmanwụ

(at Nri) the highest women’s title, which elderly married

women of exemplary character are allowed to take and in

which the secret of the ritual mask is revealed (Onwuejeogwu

194

1974:177)

mmanya, mmanya,

wine, esp. palmwine; any type of alcohol

manya

(mmanya) -gbu

be intoxicated by alcohol

mmanya nā-abà

(lit. wine that enters the eyes - mostly used in Bible)

n’anya

mmanya nkwū

wine from oilpalm

mmanya ōbubu

intoxicant

mmanya ògòlò

wine from raphia palm (ngwò)

(mmanya) -tụ

be drunk

ànì mmānya

dregs of wine

-gbà mmanya

make drunk

mmanya oyìbo

gin; imported wine or spirits

ikè mmānya

dregs

-kụ mmanya

mix wine

-la oke mmānya

drink to excess; get drunk

-nuta mmanya

buy native wine (e.g. palm wine)

onye mmānya

wine (usually palmwine) seller

òkìkà mmānya

ceremonial drinking; feast

òlaka mmānya

drunkard

mmeē

blood (cf. òbàlà)

mmee mmee

red, reddish:

Ò gịnī kpatalụ anya gī jì wèlụ àcha mmee mmee Why are

your eyes red?

Kpòọlụ m#nwatà nwokē yi àfè mmee mmee Call me the boy

in the red shirt

-gba mmeē

bleed; shed blood

ònà mmēe

the variety of Dioscorea dumentorum which is white

mmilī, mmilī, milī

water; rain

mmili alā

breast-milk

mmili ala efī

cow's milk

(mmilī) -gba

flow (of water)

(mmilī) -gbafùsị

flow to waste (of water)

(mmilī) -kwò

A. undergo a rush of people anxious to fetch water (of a

stream)

B. rush, flow rapidly (of waterway, stream)

(mmilī) -ma

A. (lit.) be beaten by rain:

Mmilī gà-àma gī ọ bụlụ nà ị nāba kịtāà Rain will beat you

if you leave now, i.e. You will be drenched if you leave now

B. (fig.) be in grave trouble; suffer grave loss

Chinēkè m! Mmilī àmaa m. Onye ēnyemaka ọ bù sòọsò ya

kà m nwèlù n’ùwà ànwụa! My God! I am done for. The only

helper I have in this world is dead!

195

mmili mmili

wet; damp; watery

-dị mmili mmili

be wet, damp, watery:

Kèdu ife kpātalụ nà ụnō à dì mmili mmili? Why is this

house so wet?

mmili ǹdà arò

the first rain in the year

mmili òlùlù

gathering of clouds before rain

mmili osisi

sap

mmili òzùzò

rain

mmili ōŋụŋụ

drinking water

mmili ōwụwa

coming out of underground water, flooding the land of that

area. An example is what sometimes occurs in buildings in

swampy areas, where water sometimes appears and floods the

floors

àfè mmīli

rain-coat

agụū mmīli

thirst

akụ mmili igwē

hail

àkpà nwaammīli

bladder

anya mmīli

tears

àrụ mmīli

stoutness; dropsy; fresh, plump body

-bụ ọnū mmīli

spit

-chedo mmilī

hold water

-chu mmilī

go to water

-dèsị mmilī

drip

-fe mmilī

A. drive away rain

B. sprinkle water

-gba anya mmīli

shed tears

-gbalù mmilī

defile, pollute water

-gba mmilī

pour water on (fainting or shocked persons as treatment)

-gbà mmilī

force to drink water (as primitive way of feeding baby, or by

pushing victim under water)

-gba mmili alā

contain breast milk; have flow of milk from the breast

-gwù mmilī

swim

ìkpele mmīli

bank of river

isi mmīli

source of a stream, river

-ku mmilī

scoop water out of a vessel

-kunye mmilī

bring water to

-kute mmilī

fetch water in a vessel

-kpọchi mmilī

turn off (i.e. lock, shut) tap

-kwọ mmilī

bale, dip up water with the hands

-kwọsa mmilī

A. throw water over (as in taking a shower)

B. wipe off water from floor, table, windscreen, or any wide

surface (larger quantity than -ficha; also -kwọcha)

mkpụlụ mmīli

hail; drops of rain

196

ògbu mmīli

deep water; the sea

òdọ mmīli

pond

ọnụ mmīli

spittle; saliva

-ra mmilī

make, produce rain

òra mmili

rain-maker

-ri mmilī

leak

-ru nwa mmīli

urinate

-sala mmilī

lap water (as dog)

-ta obì mmīli

be callous, wicked, determined

ùfèsị mmīli

across the stream, river, etc.; other side of the river, stream,

etc.

n’ùfèsị mmīli

on the other side of the river

ụgbọ mmīli

ship; boat; canoe

-zè(lụ) mmilī

shelter from rain

mmìkolo

ferret

mmìmì

small peppery fruit used as alternative to kola; the tree itself

mmùmù

used in:

mmùmù ọnwa

A. star

B. firefly

mmụō, mmụō,

A. spirit of the dead; ghost. The spirits of the dead are divided

mmọō, mmọō,

into good and evil:

mụō, mọō

Ajō mmadù bù ajō mmụō A wicked man makes a wicked

spirit. The good ones are:

a) ndị ìchìè good and successful men who leave children

behind, subdivided into ìchìè ukwu, the great ancestors, who

were ọzō titled men who founded the various hierarchies of

the extant lineages, and ìchìè ntà, the small ancestors, dead

untitled men with extra extant lineages:

b) ụmū āda the spirits of the dead married daughters of the

lineage. All good ancestors reincarnate in their lineage. The

evil ones are:

a) àkàloògòlì people who grew old without achieving

anything and die without having children; they cannot

reincarnate in their lineage, roam wild in the spirit world and

from time to time gain entry to the world of men to cause

confusion:

b) ekwensu the spirits of people who died ọnwụ ọjọō, i.e.

accidental or premature deaths or suicide; such spirits cannot

be reincarnated or reach the spirit land, but come back to earth

to cause other bad deaths:

c) ògbanje the spirits of children who die while young and

keep revisiting their mother's womb to repeatedly be reborn

and die (Onwuejeogwu 1974:89-99):

197

Mmụō lìe m#Let the ancestors consume me (if I do such a bad

thing)

mmụọ inyī

bad, unclean spirit

mmụọ ogonogo

'tall ghost', the most elderly and venerated form of the

incarnate dead (= egwugwu)

afụfụ mmụọ

A. punishment in underworld

B. very severe punishment or trouble

ajō mmụō

bad dead spirit

ànị mmụọ

lands of the dead; (Christian usage) hell

ego mmūọ

money ritually offered to the dead

ezē mmụō

king of underworld

-kpọ mụō

take mọō when assuming duties of ọkpala

-lọ mmụō

offer food to the ancestors; feast the dead

-na mmụō

die (euphemistic) (lit. return to the land of the spirits)

ndi mmụọ

the dead; the ancestors

ọkụ mmụọ

A. (Christian usage) hell fire

B. matches

ùwà ndi mmụọ

the world of spirits

B. masquerade (= mmanwụ)

mmụọ ebì ogwū

a masquerade with porcupine quills on the body

mmụọ ijelè

a graceful, elaborate masquerade

mmụō īkpo

a masquerade covered with ìkpo-bells

àfe mmọọ

mask of masquerader; masquerader's cloth

àwòlọ mmụọ

masquerade's mask

-kù mmụō

invite masquerader to a place (e.g. funeral)

-ma mmụọ

A. be initiated into the masqueraders' cult (and learn its

secrets)

B. (loosely) be initiated into secret cult

C. (loosely) be let into deep secret

òdogwu mmūọ

any type of masquerade with horned head (For other types of

masquerade, see àkàtaàkà, àtùmà, ìgbàdikē, ùlàgà)

C. Follows name of object (usu. plant) to denote a poisonous,

non-edible, degenerate, or abnormal variety, as opposed to the

non-poisonous, edible, normal kind

edē mmụọ

inedible plant similar to cocoyam

elo mmụọ

kind of poisonous mushroom

ùtabā mmụọ

kind of non-edible shrub resembling tobacco plant in

appearance and smell

mmụō 2.

the first title, taken before ọzō

-chi mmụō

take the mmụō title

motò

motor vehicle (E. motor)

(motò) -kwọpìà

be crushed (by motor vehicle)

mpàlà

measure of length; stride

198

mpanaaka

small native hand-lamp

mpe

used in:

nwa mpe

very short, little, smallish (of human beings in particular, and

animals)

-pe mpe

be small, little

mpempe

edge, hem (of cloth); pieces (of paper, cloth, etc.)

mpì

horn

-sọ mpì

butt with the horns; compete

mpio

hole(s) through the compound wall used as passage for

livestock, especially young ones, to and from the outside; or

to let surface water escape from compound or house

mpīa

used in:

imi mpīa

nose partly or wholly destroyed by disease; depressed nostril

mpòmà

matchet (cf. mmà)

mpū, mpu

hold (in a bag, etc.); outlet (-pu 2. be perforated, have hole(s)

(cf. oghēle)

mpụ

used in:

-kwu mpụ

talk at random

mpùm

highway robbery

ndị mpùm

armed robbers

-mù

v.:

-mù mbọ

use nails on

-kwọmù

grind into small pieces

-tamù

bite into small pieces

mụ 1.

pron.

I; me (independent, 1st pers. sg.)

mụ nà gị

you and I

mụ nà isi m#

I myself (emphatic)

mụ nwà

I myself, me (emphatic)

-mụ 2.

give birth to; beget

òmụmụ

birth

-mụkwo

give birth prematurely

-mụpùta

bring forth; give birth to

ndị mūlụ

parents

òmụgwò

birth feast; period from immediately after a woman’s safe

delivery to about 3 months later, during which she is confined

to home and does not go to market

òmùlù nwa

interest (on capital)

-mụ + 3.

v.:

-mụ amụ

laugh at

-mụ 4.

sharpen

òmụmụ

sharpening

-mụ mmà

sharpen a sword, knife, matchet

-mù 1.

learn; study

199

òmùmù

learning

-mù akwụkwọ

study (lit. study book):

Anà m èje Òbòdò Oyìbo ịmù etu esì ebì akwụkwọ I am

going to the United Kingdom to study printing

-mùta

learn

onye mmùta

scholar; pupil

-mù 2.

shine

òmùmù

shining; brightness

-mù àmùmà

lighten (of lightning)

-mùlụ ọkụ

light from (fire, etc.)

-mùnye

light (a lamp)

-mù ọkụ

kindle light

-mùsị

glitter; shine

-mụ-mù, -mu-mù,

hum; murmur:

-mụ-mù

Amārọ m ịfe nā-amụmù n’ime ụnò I don’t know what is

humming in the room

myò

sieve (-yò sieve)

n’

see nà 1.

-na 1.

A. go home; go away (finally)

ònịna

going home; leaving

-na àzụ

lag; dawdle:

Ọlụ m#nà-àna āzụ My work is lagging

-naba

go home

nàba!

go home!

-nabà

go to bed

-na be dī

A. (of woman just married) marry; go to husband's house:

Ọ gà-àna be dī n’ọnwa ōzọ She will be married next month

B. go, return to husband or husband's house

-nachìgha

return home

-nafè

go abroad

-nafù

go and not come back

nàa gboo

farewell (to those expected to return)

-nakọ ànakọ

go homewards

-nakpu

go in

-nakwulu

go home to (someone)

-namì

go to an uncertain destination

-na mmụō or -na

die (euphemistic) (lit. return to the land of the spirits)

ànị mmụọ

200

-nanarị

escape from; go away from

-nata

return (home):

Kèdu ụbòsì ị gà-ànata? What day will you return?

-na n’iyì

become useless, spoilt; be ruined:

Ife o mè nà n’iyì What he has done is useless

B. go away, heal (of sore, cut, etc.)

ònịna

healing:

Ọnya m#ànago My cut has healed

-na 2.

receive; take; take by force:

Òne kà ọ nà-àna n’ọnwa? How much does he earn a month?

ònịna

taking; receiving

-na akwụkwọ isī

pay tax (lit. take tax-receipt)

-nachìgha

receive back; recover

-nado

contain; retain; accommodate

-nalụ

receive; take

-napùga

save; redeem

Onye Nnapùga Redeemer (cf. Onye Nzọpùta)

-napùta

snatch out; snatch away; deliver

-napùta okwu

force someone to speak out

-nata

receive

-nata letà

receive letter

-na ụgwō

receive salary, wages, etc.

-na ùtụ

exact tax

-na 3.

aux.v.

marks the progressive and habitual verb forms:

Chikē nà-àbịa Chike is coming (progressive)/(usually) come

(habitual):

Chikē gà na-àbịa Chike will be coming (future habitual):

Chikē gà na-ègogo jī Chike will/must have been (habitually)

buying yams:

Na-èbi òfụma Goodbye (lit. keep on living well):

-na 4.

infl. suff.

(-naà when in final position after non-low tone) negative

commands:

Ejēna ozi à Don’t go on this errand:

Ejēnaà Do not go

nà 1.

prep.

(before a vowel written as n’; tone is basically low, but

assimilates to a following high tone vowel) at; in; to; from:

Anò m nà mbalā I am outside:

Ebì m nà Kanò I live in Kano:

Àdâ nò n’ime ụnò Ada is inside the house

n’aka ebē

as a pledge, surety:

Jìde akwụkwọ à n’aka ebē Take this book as a pledge

n’ànì

on the ground

nà ǹkịtị

in vain; for nothing:

201

Ife o mè bù nà ǹkịtị What he has done is in vain

nà ǹtụmādị

suddenly; unexpectedly

n’àzụ

behind; in the absence of

n’ebe à

here; at this place

n’enū

above; upon; on top of

n’ètitì

amidst; in the middle of

n’ezi okwū

(shortened to n’eziī): in truth; really; in reality; indeed; truly

n’ùsòlò n’ùsòlò

in order; one after the other

n’ụnò

at home; in the house; within (the house)

n’ùsọ

beside; by the side of

n’ùzọ ūtụtù

in the early morning

-si nà

come from

nà 2.

conj.

that:

Ọ sì nà fâ bù èjìma She said that they are twins

nà 3.

conj.

and:

Mụ nà gị You and I

naàbò

num.

two (qualifying form, cf. ìbùọ)

naanō, naanò

num.

four (qualifying form, cf. ìnọ)

naasāà

num.

seven (qualifying form, cf. ìsaà)

naasātọ

num.

eight (qualifying form, cf. ìsatō)

naātọ

num.

three (qualifying form, cf. ìtọ)

-na-ghà, -na-rà

prevent; hinder; restrain

-naghà ntì

refuse to listen; act wilfully:

Ọ naghà ntì wèe me ife à He did this thing wilfully

-naghà okwu

interrupt

-na-lụ

win; be correct; (of statement) agree with statement or

information previously made:

Ọ nààlù gị You are correct

nànwụledè,

wild cat; genet

ùnànwụledè,

nànwụlụ,

ùnànwụlụ

-na-rị 1.

ext. suff. 1

more than; surpassing

-gbanarị

surpass in running

-sonarị

surpass in growth:

Àda gà-èsonarị nwa nnē ya nwokē ogō Ada will grow taller

than her brother

-na-rị 2.

ext. suff. 1

away from

-fenarị

fly away from:

Egbe afù èfenarịgo m#The hawk has flown away from me

(from my grip, or from where I kept it confined)

-gbanarị

run away from (something); abscond from (something,

someone):

202

Nkịtā m zùtàlù ǹnyàafù àgbanarịgo m#The dog I bought

yesterday has run away (from me)

-nanarị

go away from

nàịrà

naira

nchà 1.

soap

nchà ngù

local soap

-gbu nchà

soap oneself

nchà 2.

curdled oil preparation for eating certain foods like yam,

plantain, shredded cassava, etc. It is prepared by crushing

some quantity of potash stone, àkanwụ, or pouring some

liquid ngù into oil, and stirring it till the oil thickens and

curdles. Some condiments are added and the preparation is

used as stew

ǹcha 1.

quant.

all; altogether; entirely

fa ncha

all of them (cf. fa niīne)

mà ǹcha

not at all; none (used with negative)

mgbè ǹcha

always; at all times

ǹcha ncha

not at all:

Àgarō m ịpù n’ụnò ǹcha ncha I shall not leave the house at

all

ogè ǹcha

always; at all times

ụnù ǹcha

all of you; you all

ǹcha 2.

used in:

ǹcha ọcha

fish (Tilapia zilii (cf. ìkpoòkpò)

nchāla

rust

-gba nchāla

rust; corrode

-ta nchāla

be rusty

ǹche

keeping; saving; watching over; vigil (-che 1. watch)

-che ǹche

keep watch, vigil:

Ọ nò nà ǹche He is on guard

ǹche ānwụ

sunshade; umbrella

ndi nche

the guards

ndi nche òbòdò

A. the town or village guards

B. the police

onye nche

watchman

Òrànàǹche male name (lit. All at watch)

ụkā nche

watchnight service (e.g. that held on eve of Christmas, New

Year, etc.)

nchebe

preservation; keeping (from -chebe preserve, keep)

ǹchì

cane rat, cutting grass; "grasscutter" (Thryonomys

swinderianus)

ǹchìchè

venereal disease which eats off the nose (stage of syphilis)

ǹchịcha

disease causing skin to turn yellow; blasting or withering of

203

vegetation

ǹchìkwịnìkwịnì

dried latex from rubber tree or ụdalà (so called from sound

when chewed)

ǹchòlòkòtò

board game with twelve holes, sometimes dug in the earth,

played by two persons with nuts, seeds or small stones

ǹchụ

hat (cf. òkpu)

ǹdàlàgwùgwù

valley

ndàma ndàmi

trial; temptation (from -dàma fall up and down, here and

there)

ǹdamanya

laziness

-da ǹdamanya

be lazy; malinger; loaf about

ndasì

tumbler

ǹdè 1.

sickly, delicate condition

-dè ǹdè

be sickly, delicate:

Ọ nà-edē ǹdè He is sickly

ǹdè 2.

disappearance; charm giving one the power to be invisible:

Dibìa à nà-àgwọ ǹdè This dibịa can prepare a charm for

vanishing

-dè ǹdè

disappear:

Dibìa à nà-edē ǹdè This dibịa has the power of disappearing

ǹdèelī

midnight

ǹdeèwo!

int.

common salutation of welcome or thanks

ǹdele

rod; large staff

ǹdele igwè

iron rod used for fighting

ǹdèlè

line; row; track

-kpụ ǹdèlè

make track

ndene

properly

ndepùta

A. writing out

B. edition

ndepùta ochīè

old edition

ndepùta ọfụū

new edition:

Ndepùta ọfụū akwụkwọ ǹkaà apùtago There is a new

edition of this book

ndi

see ndị

ǹdìdì

A. patience; perseverance

-dì ǹdìdì

be patient

onye ǹdìdì

patient person:

Proverb: Onye ǹdìdì nà-èli azū ūkpoò The patient man eats

hook-killed fish

B. personal name

ndị, ndi

nation; people, those (plural of onye)

ndị à

these:

Akwà ndị à bụ òke ǹkè m These clothes are my share

204

ndị afù

those

ndị aghā

soldiers; warriors

ndi be

household; people of the house; fellow townsfolk

ndi gboo

the ancients

ndị īchiè

chiefs, titled persons (alive or departed)

ndi ikènyà

elders; grown men; principal men

ndị ikpē

the judges

ndi isī

chiefs, headmen

Ndi Isi Ōji

the Africans

ndi ìsì

blind people

ndị kọtùma

court-messengers

ndị mbụ nà ndị

the ancestors

àbò

ndị mmụọ

dead people (spirits)

ndị mpùm

highwaymen; robbers; bandits

ndị mūlụ

parents

ndị nche atụlū

shepherds

ndị ǹkè nya

his own people

ndị nkịtị

common people

ndị ntā

hunters

ndị nwufù

those yonder

ndinyom

women; females

ndi ochiè

the ancients

Ndi ōji

Africans; black people

ndị okènyè

elders

ndi orī

rogues; highwaymen

ndi orù

slaves

ndi ōsu

people owned by deities; outcasts

ndị ozī

messengers; the apostles

ndị ọkù

fishermen

ndị ọnwò

some people

ndi ōta ōjị

nickname used only by the Igbo to describe the Yoruba

ndị òyì

friends

ndi Ukà

the Christians

ndị ùlà

deceivers; cunning people

ùwà ndi mmọọ

the world of spirits

ùwà ndi oyìbo

luxurious pleasure-loving way of life or living; extravagant

life (lit. the world of the white people)

ǹdìdà

down-river; the South; low-lying country

Ọgbe Ǹdìdà

a village in Onitsha Inland Town

ǹdìlì

row; line

ndò

kind of pigeon

ǹdo

int.

salutation of sympathy

205

ǹdò

shade; shadow

-che ǹdò

give shade

òche ǹdò

anything giving shade

ǹdodo

horizontal house-beam

ndokwa

settlement; peace; pacification (-dokwa make peace)

ǹdoò

int.

goodbye (to people one is leaving

ǹdu

leadership; guidance

onye ndu

leader; guide:

Ònyê bù onye ndu fa? Who is their leader?

ǹdù

animal tick sp. (àkà) found on rats and Kemp's Gerbil

ǹdudù

electric catfish (Malapterurus electricus) (= èlùlù)

ndù

A. life

Ndùbeezè (Ndù bụ ezè) male name (lit. life is greatest, or life

is king: i.e. to be able to do or be anything, life is the first

precondition)

Ndùbiisi (Ndù bụ

male name (lit. life is the head)

isi)

Ndùbụàkù

male name (lit. life is wealth)

ndùdùgandù

generation

ndù ebè èbè

everlasting life:

Chinēkè dì ndù ebè èbè God is everlasting

(ndù) -gụ

want to live

-dị ndù

be alive:

Adì m ndù I am alive

ezi ndù

health

ogonogo ndù

long life

-tụ ndù

breathe slowly, faintly, with difficulty (as one dying)

-tụlụ, -tụnye ndù

revive; refresh

-tụte ndù

wake up; make alive; revive; refresh; resuscitate

-zè ndù

be afraid of; avoid (from fear); be beware of; fear for one's life

-zọ ndù

save life

B. state of being living, raw, fresh, green, uncooked:

Ọ nà-èli ji ndù He is eating raw yam:

Ọ nà-àta akwụkwọ ndù He is eating fresh leaves (as opposed

to dry ones)

azù ndù

fresh fish

-dị ndù

be raw, fresh, uncooked, etc.

ǹdụdụ

fork, skewer of iron or wood for taking yam, etc., from

cooking-pot

ndùdùgandù

generation ( ndù, life)

ndùdùgandū ǹke

third generation

ītọ

ndùdùgandū ǹke

fourth generation

206

īnọ

ndụmì, ndumì

framework of roof

ndumì ụnò

framework of roof (before thatching or fixing the sheets)

ǹdùmòọdụ

advice; counsel; warning (-dù ọdụ advise)

-nye ǹdùmòọdụ

give counsel, advice

-sò ǹdùmòọdụ

follow advice

-ne 1.

look at

ònine

looking

-ne anya

behold; look (at); gaze at; look after; mind

-nebà

look into

-nedà

despise

nnedà

contempt

-nedo

look at closely; study; spy

-nedụ

keep quiet, still

-nefe

look after; serve; wait upon

-nefè anya

connive at; wink at

-nefèga anya

overlook; neglect

-nefù anya

look aside; neglect; connive at

-nega

A. visit

B. see afar off

-negalụ

visit and look after sick person

nnegalụ

nursing a sick person (on casual visit)

-nekọta

supervise; be in charge

nnekọta

supervision

-nekpọ anya

take a good look

-nekwàsị anya

look upon; look again

-nene

watch; examine

-nenì

disregard; despise

Nnwatà nwokē afù nà-ènenì okwū m The boy ignores my

words

nnenì

contempt; disregard

-nenye anya

look into

-nepù

look for; seek

-neta

visit (esp. bereaved or sick)

nneta

visit (esp. to bereaved or sick)

-neta anya

regard; have respect for

-netị anya

look ahead

-netù anya

look downwards; look down on

-nezi anya

beware; look out; be cautious

ǹne anyā

a glance, look:

Ị chọọ ịmā ife ọ nà-ème òfu nne anyā ezùgolụ gī If you want

to know what he is doing, a glance is sufficient for you

-ne 2.

entertain; reward

207

-ne ọbìà

entertain a stranger; be hospitable

-ne ọlụ

reward; pay (wage):

Ọ gà-ène fā ọlụ He will reward them for their work

neesè

num.

five (alternative qualifying form of ìse)

ngā

gag; bit; iron bar

ngā àgbà

the gag used for a dead person

ǹga

imprisonment

ǹga Àràbà

(fig.) heavy punishment (from the first prison yard at Asaba):

Ndị mmūọ tìnyèlì yà nà ǹga The ancestors inflicted lifelong

punishment (i.e. lingering sickness) on him

ǹga mkpụlụ ọkà

life imprisonment

ǹga ọlụ ikē

imprisonment with hard labour:

A tùlù ya ǹga ọlụ ikē He was imprisoned with hard labour

onye nga

prisoner

ụnō nga

prison-yard

ǹgaā

have it; take:

Ǹgaā egō Have some money

ngàdàbà

branch (of tree):

Kòbe akwà gị na ngàdàbà osisi afū dī n’òbi Hang your

cloth on the branch of that tree in the court

ǹgàjì

spoon

ngàla

pride

-gàla ngàla

be proud

onye ngàla

proud person

ǹgàlì

bribe

-li ǹgàlì

take bribe

ngalịga

see ngịlịga

ǹgàmàsù

native court

ǹganā

laziness

onye ngana

lazy person

nganga 1.

slim; slim in build

nganga 2.

see ngịlịga

ǹgàǹgà

arrogance; rudeness; insolence; pride

-kpa ǹgàǹgà

be arrogant, insolent, rude:

Àchọrō m ịfū nwatà afū nā-akpa ǹgàngà I don’t want to see

that arrogant boy

ǹgedelegwu,

xylophone (basket-work over pot, with two bars)

ǹgedegwū

ǹgènè

water welling from a spring

ọnụ ǹgènè

(place of a) spring of water

ǹgìgè

fence; hedge; rope marking off or enclosing a place

-gè ǹgìgè

cordon round with rope

ǹgị

pron.

(emphatic; 2nd pers.sg.) you (singular); thou; thee:

208

(Ọ) ǹgị kà mụ nà-àgwa It is you I am talking to

ǹgị nà ònwe gī

you yourself (emphatic)

ǹgị nwà

you yourself

ngīga

round basket, often used for smoke-curing of fish, keeping

pepper, ògìlì, etc.; usually kept in or suspended from ùko over

the fire-place

ǹgịlị

used in:

ngịlị, ǹgịlị afō

intestines; bowels

ngìlìgò

crooked (of road)

ngịlịga, ngalịga,

ragged; contemptible (cf. nkịlịka)

nganga

ngịlịga akwà

rag; ragged cloth

ngịlịga mmādù

stupid, hopeless person; ruffian:

Bikō akpōkwọna Òfọ àbịa bē m màkà nà adī m àchọ ịfū

ngịlịga mmādù be m#Please never visit my home in the

company of Ọfọ because I resent the presence of ruffians in

my home

ngo

money, reward received for services rendered; bribe

-go ngo

give a present, reward

-li ngo

receive money, reward, or bribe for services

òkpụ īsi elī ngo

ringworm of the head (tinea capitis) (lit. barber who receives

no pay)

ngō

upper part, place:

Anà m àgbago ngō I am going upwards

ngòli

exultation; rejoicing (-gòli rejoice)

ngongo

steep place

ngò

bride-wealth; deposit paid to wife's family which is refunded

in the event of a divorce and remarriage

-fieta ngò

receive back bride-price from wife's relations

-gba ngò

reckon up bride-price

-kwụ ngò

pay bride-price:

Ànyị nà-èje ịkwū ngò nnwa èzè m nà-àkwadebe ịnū We are

going to pay the bride-price of the princess I am preparing to

marry

òkwụkwụ ngò

payment of bride-price

ngò 2.

crookedness; bend

-gba ngò

be bent, crooked

ǹgọ 1.

bribe:

Ọ nàlù yà ǹgọ wèe wèlụ yā n’ọlụ He took a bribe from him

before giving him a job

-li ngọ

accept a bribe

ǹgọ 2.

doubt

-si ǹgọ

doubt (obstinately)

209

òsi ngọ

doubter

ǹgòǹgò 1.

stumbling; staggering

-sọ ǹgòǹgò

stumble; stagger:

Òyì gị nwaànyì gà-àkpatalụ gī ịsō ǹgòǹgò Your girlfriend

will cause you to stumble

ǹgòǹgò 2.

joy; gladness

-tụ ǹgòǹgò

rejoice (usu. of women)

ngọzi

A. blessing (-gọzi bless)

B. male and female name

ngu

long stick with hooked end for plucking fruits; crook

ngùgù, ngwùgwù

780 large cowries = 13 ùkwù

ǹgùgù

ribs; lungs; loins; waist

mkpịsị ǹgù

rib

ngwa

haste; swiftness

ngwa ngwa

quickly

ǹgwe

grinder; apparatus, machine for grinding (-gwe grind)

ǹgwèlè

lizard (general term, including olubulu, but esp. the common

agama lizard (Agama agama Linn.); cf. okpodi, which refers

only to the male agama)

ǹgwèlè anwū

"iguana"; monitor lizard (Varanus niloticus Linn.)

ngwò 1.

raphia palm (Raphia hookeri Mann and Wendl.); wine from

the raphia palm (= ògòlò)

akwalā ngwò

fibre of stem of ngwò

mmanya ngwò

raphia palm wine

ose ngwò

raphia palm wine tapped from raphia palms at the river or

stream bank

ngwò 2., ụgwò

kind of skin disease; eczema (Yoruba ifo)

ǹgwò

period of òmụgwò (seclusion following birth of a child);

observation of òmụgwò

ǹgwòlùǹgwọlụ,

(slang) food prepared by mashing together different kinds of

ǹgwòlùǹgwọ

food (e.g. akpụ a gwōlụ agwọ - shredded cassava mashed

with ụkwà or òkwè)

ǹgwu

tool for digging out yams (-gwu 1. dig)

ǹgwu ànì

tool for digging; digger

ngwùgwù 1.

parcel; bundle

ngwùgwù nnū

block, parcel of salt

ngwùgwù 2.

see ngùgù

ǹgwùlù

compound (of a dwelling)

ǹgwụ

type of bat found in ceilings (not edible)

ngwụcha

end (-gwụcha end)

ngwụcha arò

end of year

ǹgwụlō

cripple; lame person:

Ǹgwụlō adīrọ àgba ọsō A lame person never runs

210

Òyì m nwokē adàgo ngwụlọ My friend has become crippled

(fig.) lazy, powerless, person:

Ǹgwụlō kà ị bù Powerless person that you are!

-dà ǹgwụlō

be lame

-gwọ ǹgwụlō

sit with the legs drawn up (like a lame person, usually on the

floor)

-kù ǹgwụlō

sit on floor with legs crossed:

Akùzìnà ǹgwụlō n’iru onye ọbìà Stop sitting cross-legged in

the presence of the stranger

-ni

put in a place; tie up (animals, canoes, etc.)

-nibe

lay down, put down (child, sick person, corpse, etc.)

-nido

tether (an animal)

-ninye

lay down

-nì

bury

ònìnì

burying

-nìnye

bury

-nì ozu

bury corpse:

Enìgo m#ozu nkịtā m nwūlụ ǹnyàafù I have buried the body

of my dog which died yesterday

inì

grave

niī

Take it! Here! (in offering something)

niīne

quant.

all; every

èkpè niīne

always; at all times

fa niīne

all of them

mgbè niīne

at all times; every time

ụnù niīne

all of you

ùwà niīne

all over the world

-ni-ri

rise up; start; depart

-niri ọtọ

stand up

-nì 1.

despise, overlook, endure (e.g. insult); forgive:

Anà m anì mkpalị I overlook insults

Anìgo m#ife ọjọō i mèlù m n’ọnwa gālụ aga I have forgiven

you your offence of last month:

Anà m anì ọnwụ nnē m I am enduring the death of my

mother

Proverb: E nenìa nwiìtè ò gbọnyụa ọkū If a small pot is

despised it will bubble over with boiling water and extinguish

the fire

-nì 2.

ext. suff. 1

describes a shrivelled or wrinkled state

-dọnì

be tough, fibrous (like meat or tendon, ligament, etc.):

Anụ ị nyelụ m#mè ndọnì The piece of meat you gave me is

tough

-fenì

be shrivelled; shrivel

211

-kwụnì

be tough:

Ọsè m zòlù n’ugbō ǹnyàafù èfenìgo The pepper I

transplanted in the farm yesterday has shrivelled up

ǹja

brass leg spiral (no longer worn)

ǹjàkìlì

friendly joking

ǹje

mosquito larva

ǹjè, ǹjèm

journey; going (-je 1. go)

njenje

any type of 'hot drink' (spirits)

ǹjèǹjè

travelling, walking, wandering aimlessly:

Anà m àkaba ārụ ịgwā òyì m nwokē kà ọ kwụsị ijē ǹjèǹjè

màkà nà ǹjèǹjè abàrò ulù I have been trying my best to

persuade my friend to stop gadding about because gadding

about does not bring any gain

Ubòsì òje ǹjèǹje jèkwùdòlù ife ọjọō kà ọ gà àkwụsị ǹjèǹjè

The day a person who is fond of wandering around runs into

trouble he will stop wandering around

ǹji

blackness; darkness (-ji 3. be black)

-ji nji

be black, dark:

Igwē nà-èji nji The sky looks black

Àdâ jìnàrìlì Ọjì ǹji Ada is darker than Ọjị (in complexion)

njìnà

see ejùnà

ǹjọ

evil; badness; wickedness; sin

afọ njọ, afọ njō

unkindness

-jọ ǹjọ

be bad, wicked, evil, ugly; refuse to share (esp. food):

Ọ dì ǹjọ It is bad

onye njọ, onye njō

sinner; miserly, niggardly person

ǹju

one full measure

ǹju āka

handful:

Tìnye nnu nju akā naàbò n’ime ofe afù Put two handfuls of

salt into that soup

ǹju īko

cupful:

Bikō mànyelụ m#ǹju īko gàrị naàbò Please measure out two

cupfuls of garri for me

ǹju ōnụ

mouthful

njùnà

see ejùnà

nka

old age; oldness

-ka nka

tear; decay; grow old; wear out

ǹkà

art:

Ǹkà adīrọ n’ife ọ pìlì There is no art in what he carved

onye ǹkà

craftsman; skilled workman; artist; sculptor; designer

ǹkaà

this (assimilated form of ǹke à)

ǹkaà nụnwà

this (particular) one

arò ǹkaà

this year

212

ǹkakwū

Musk Shrew (Crocidura spp.), a small, sharp-nosed creature

which feeds on insects and protects itself with an obnoxious

smell

nkàta

conversation (from -kà 4. speak)

-kpa nkàta

converse

ǹkàtà

A. round basket

-kpà ǹkàtà

make, weave basket

B. type of fish-trap

ǹkè

that of x

ǹke à, ǹkaà

this (one)

ǹkè afù, ǹkàafù

that (one)

ǹke ātọ

(the) third

ǹke ānyị

our; ours

ǹkè fa, ǹkè fa nwà

their; theirs

ǹkè i, ǹkè gị

your (sg.); yours; thy; thine

ǹkè irū

the one to come, expected

ǹkè irū kà

A. that to come is greater

B. female name

ǹke ìzìzì

first

ǹke ìbùa

(the) second

ǹke īsaà

(the) seventh

ǹke īsatọ

(the) eighth

ǹke ītọ

(the) third

ndùdùgandū ǹke

third generation

ītọ

ǹkè m, ǹkè mụ nwà

mine; my own

ǹke mbụ

(the) first

ǹke òne ndị

whose? (pl.)

ǹke ōnye

whose?

ǹke òbụnà

whichever; either

ǹke ōzọ

the other

ǹkè ụnù

your (pl.); yours

ǹkè ya, ǹkè nya

his; her; hers; its

nwà

ndị ǹkè nya

his own people

onye ǹkè

relation; supporter

nkekele

shell

nkekele ejùnà

snail-shell

nkekele mbè

shell of tortoise

nkenke

shortness

-bì nkenke

cut short (a speech)

nwa nkenke

very short

ǹkenū

small bird which nods its head

213

ǹkì

face or body mark; tattoo

-dọ ǹkì

cut face, body marks; tattoo

-tù ǹkì

cut face, body marks; tattoo

nkịlịka

raggedness; contemptible state (more used to refer to people

than ngịlịga)

nkịlịka akwà

rag

nkịlịka mmādù

rough, rascally person

nkịlịsị

used in:

òlòma nkịlịsị

lime (lit. small orange)

nkịtā

dog

nkịta ọfīa

tree bear or Ashanti tree-hyrax (Dendrohyrax dorsalis

sylvestris Temm.)

nkịtì

silence

-gbachi nkịtì

keep silence; refrain from answering; endure

-gba nkịtì

be silent; endure (an insult, provocation)

ǹkịtị

nothing; simple, common, ordinary, good-for-nothing thing or

person

ife nkịtị

nothing; useless, contemptible thing

mmadū nkịtị

A. ordinary person; man in the street

B. a useless person

nà ǹkịtị

in vain; for nothing

ndị nkịtị

common people

-tọgbò ǹkịtị

be empty, desolate, neglected

ǹkò

hook (-kò 2. hook)

ǹkò ụzò ajā

hook attached to window to keep it steady and prevent the

glass from being shattered by the wind

nkonko, okoko

empty container

nkonko isī

the skull

nkọ 1.

sharpness; intelligence; nimbleness; acuteness

aka nkō

handy; quickhanded

nkọ 2., ǹkọ

side:

Dinā nkọ Lie on your side

ǹkò

tool with curved edge for hollowing out a canoe

nkọwa

explanation (-kọwa explain)

ǹkù 1.

A. wing of bird; fin of fish; projecting part of body

B. barb of a hook or spear

ǹkù akā

elbow

ǹkù anyā

eyebrow (= ìkù anyā)

ǹkù irū

forehead

-ti ǹkù

flap wings

ǹkù 2.

used in:

ǹkù umē

breath (-kù ume breathe)

nkụ

wood; dry wood; firewood

214

(àkpịlī) -kpọ nkụ

be intensely thirsty

azù nkụ

stockfish (cf. okpòloko)

ibe nkū

plank; piece of wood

ibelibe nkū

splinter

-kpa nkụ

fetch firewood

-kpọ nkụ

to dry up:

Akwụkwọ afù àkpọgo nkū The leaf has dried up

okpì nkū

hard wood

onye nkū

wood-cutter or gatherer

òkpụkpọ nkụ,

drought; dryness

òkpụkpọ nkū

ònòkò nkū

half-burnt piece of wood

ùkwù nkū

bundle of firewood

nkụzi

teaching; instruction

onye nkụzi

teacher

onye nkụzi ụkà

church teacher; catechist

nkwà 1.

promise:

Nkwà kà ọ bù It is a promise

-kwe nkwà

make promise; give pledge:

Ọ kwèlù m nkwà He promised me

-me nkwà

keep, fulfil a promise

nkwà 2.

drum

Ǹkwọ 2.

Igbo market day following Àfò, personified as an alūsị:

Echi bù Ǹkwọ Tomorrow is Nkwọ

Otu Nkwọ Onitsha main market

ǹkwọ 2.

grater (-kwọ 1. grate)

nkwụ

oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.); palm wine from nkwụ

nkwụ enū

"up-wine" from crown of nkwụ

àkpa nkwū

A. grub found on palm tree and in decaying palm trunk

B. palm fronds; long broom prepared from palm fronds, used

for sweeping outside

arụrụ nkwū

earwig

mmanya nkwū

wine from oil palm

-te nkwụ

tap oil palm for wine

ǹla

kind of children’s ailment (rash); tinea carcinata (cf. òkpụ īsi

tinea capitis)

nlò

softness

-gba nlò

be soft, watery (esp. of food)

obì nlò

tenderness

nlọ

dream

-lò nlọ

dream a dream:

Alòlù m kà Èjìma bīalụ I dreamt that Ejima arrived

nlọgò

crookedness; bend; winding, sinuous, tortuous condition

215

(from -lọgò be bent)

nnà

father

nnǎ dī

father-in-law (more personal and affectionate than nnā dī):

Nnǎ dī m gà-àzụtalụ m#ife n’Ònìchà o jèlù My father-in-law

is going to buy me a present from Ọnịcha

nnā dī

(more formal than nnǎ dī) father-in-law:

Nnā dī m àbịago ịfū di m#àrụ nà-esògbu My husband's

father has come to see my sick husband

nnà egwū

patron (of dancing society)

nnà milichukwu

godfather

nnà ochīè

mother's father; ancestor

nnà ukwu

master; employer; boss

àda nne nnà

paternal aunt

afà nnà

father's name

àkù nnà

patrimony

nwa nnà

brother, sister (not of the same mother); relative; blood

relation

nwunyè nnà

stepmother

ụmù nnà

half-brothers and/or sisters; relatives (viewed collectively);

family; extended family

ǹnà 1.

miserliness; closefistedness; meanness; niggardliness;

stinginess; selfishness

-kpa ǹnà

be miserly:

Ndi nā-akpā ǹnà adīrọ ènwe òyì Miserly people hardly have

friends

onye ǹnà

miser

ǹnà 2.

fish weevil

ǹnàgbuledè

wild cat

nne

A. mother

nne dī

husband's mother

nne egwū

patroness of a dancing-club, musical group, etc.

nne milichukwu

godmother

nne nnà

paternal grandmother

nne nnē

maternal grandmother

nne nwunyè

mother-in-law

nne ochīè

maternal grandmother

nne ukwu

mistress; manageress; female head or director

àda nne nnà

paternal aunt

àda nne nnē

maternal aunt

ikwu nnē

one's mother's home town

B. mature female (of animal); contrast nwunyè, immature

female animal:

Azùtàlù m nne ewū n’afịa Àfò Nnoòbì n’ụbòsì àfọ gālụ àga

216

I bought one female goat at the Afọ Nnoobi market last Afọ

market day

nnē

many; plenty

-ri nnē

be many, much, numerous, plentiful, plenty; be abundant,

very much

-ru nnē

grow (of tuber); grow to be more than average size (of tuber)

nnekwu, nnekwū

hen

nnekwu ọcha

white hen

ǹnekwu, ǹnukwu,

size; bigness; importance; (nnē + ukwu):

nnekwū, nnukwū

Mmadū à dì ǹnukwu This man is big/important:

Ǹnukwu mmādù a èrika The importance of this man is

obvious:

Ǹnukwu ifē kà ọ mèlù It is a great thing he did

nni

food

nni abụbọ

food prepared with vegetables

nni akpū

fufu (cassava)

nni anyàsì

supper

nni edè

pounded cocoyam

nni efìfìè

lunch

nni egbè

cartridge

nni jī

pounded yam

nni ògbàdụ

agidi (see nni ọkà)

nni ọkà

agidi; food prepared from maize by grinding, sifting, boiling

until thick and stiff and sometimes wrapping in leaves for

selling

nni ọlà

yesterday's food; stale food

nni nnùnù

corn, millet grain; chicken food

nni ūchichì

late supper

nni ūtụtù

breakfast

afọ nnī

gluttony

ajō nni

bad cooking

aka nnī

right hand

akwa nnī

stinginess over food

akwụkwọ nnī

vegetable

-bè nni

cut up food for eating

-gbaghalị nni

stir food

ibe nnī

a piece of food (like yam, cocoyam)

-kù nni

supply with food; cultivate

-kpa nni

(of animals) wander about in farm, forest, etc., in search of

food

mkpịsị (nnī)

spike used for bringing boiled pieces of yam or meat out of

the pot

217

-ra nni

knead pounded food in plate, mortar, etc.

-ta nni

graze (of animals)

-tinye aka na nni

dine; have meal; dine with (as an invitation to a friend present

during a meal)

-wè nni

reap; harvest (lit. take food)

òwùwè nnī

harvest; crop

Ǹnòdụ

p.n.

shortened form of the name Nòdụlụm#or Nònyelụm#

ǹnọò, ǹnụà

int.

welcome! (greeting to visitors or to someone passed on the

way)

nnu

salt

nnu ākanwụ

potash stone

nnu oyìbo

sugar (imported)

nnu ụtabà

potash stone

-gba nnu

spit salt on (e.g. wound)

-tụ nnu

season with salt

-tụnye nnu

season with salt; (fig.) exaggerate, make more interesting (of

story); embellish

ǹnukwu

see ǹnekwu

nnù

400

nnù egō

twenty pounds (= 400 shillings)

nnù kwùlu nnù

innumerable; myriads; one million

ògwọ ǹnù ọyà

panacea; medicine capable of curing all diseases (lit. curer of

400 diseases)

ǹnụà

see ǹnọò

nnùnù

bird (generic)

ezè nnùnù

eagle; king of the birds

ǹnwa, nnwa, nwa

(nwa when first word in combination)

A. child; (fig.) used as term of endearment by older to

younger person (cf. ụmù for plural)

nwaàdikē

warrior; hero

nwa afō, nnwa afō

freeborn child

nwa āgbọò,

girl of marriageable age

āgbọghò,

āgbọghọbìà

nwa bī be

child living in one's house

nwadiànì

social name of a child in his mother's family, home, locality,

village or birthplace: e.g. Each of the children of a woman

who hails from Obi's family is known as a nwadiànì among

Obi's family and kin. If a child's home town is Nneewi but his

mother's birthplace is Nnoobi, that child is a nwadiànì at

Nnoobi; if the mother's birthplace is the United States the

child when in Nigeria is said to be nwadiànì in the United

States

nwa dibìà

native doctor's attendant; native doctor

218

nwa di ọtā, nwa di

hunter's attendant

ntā

nwa ègwu

doll

nwa èjìma

a twin

nwa ezè alā ajā

instep of foot (lit. the king's baby never licks the sand)

nwa kā ibè ya

form of praise for one who excels his colleagues; first among

equals

nwa mba

cat

nwa mgbèyì, nwa

orphan; destitute child

ogbènyè

nwa mkpùkpù

newborn infant

mmē

nwa mmadù

freeborn person; well-behaved person

nwa nnà

brother, sister (not of same mother); relative; blood relation

nwa nnabè

echo (cf. òkpọnàkpọ òkù)

nwannē

brother, sister (strictly of same mother but also brother, sister

of same father but not of same mother, i.e. half-brother and

sister); sibling, relative; blood relation; also used as term of

address to a close friend

nwanne afō

brother or sister of same father and mother; full brother or

sister (lit. brother or sister of same womb)

nwannē ārụ

close relative

nwanne echī

day after tomorrow

nwannē nwaàyì

sister; female relative

nwannē nwokē

brother; male relative

nwa nnwā

grandchild

nwa nwaàyì

female child; daughter

nwa nwokē

male child; son

nwa ogbènyè, nwa

orphan; destitute child

mgbèyì

nwa ōkolo

lad; boy; youth

nwa ōkolọbìà

youth; boy

nwa òlukpùlu

blindman’s buff

nwa ōnogbò

cat

nwa òseāka

prodigal son

nwa ọfụū

new-born child

nwa ōgbanje

child believed to belong to a group in the world of spirits to

which he/she returns after dying in infancy, only to go back to

his mother's womb again. See ògbanje

nwa ọlū

apprentice

nwatà, nwantà

child

nwatà akwụkwọ

schoolchild; student

nwatà nwaàyì

girl; daughter (from nwa ntà nwaàyì)

219

nwatàkịlị

young child (from nwa ntàkịlị)

nwa ùyòm

chick

àkpà nnwā

womb; uterus

àkpà nwaāmmili

bladder

aŋùlị nnwā

child feast (e.g. "outing", christening, etc.)

-gba aka nwā

be childless

-kwò nnwa (n’àzụ)

carry child (on the back)

-lòlu ǹnwa

adopt a child

obele nnwā

small child; caressing words used by mothers to their children

ùme nnwā

frequent loss of children soon after birth (by death)

ụmù nwaànyì

women

ụmù nwokē

men (as opposed to women

B. Used as first element of names, preceding name of market

day on which someone was born:

Nwankwọ, Nweēke,

for men born on Ǹkwọ, Èke, Oyè, and Àfò respectively, and

Nwooyè, Nwaàfò

Nwamgbankwọ, Nwamgbeēke, Nwamgbaàfò for women

born on Ǹkwọ, Èke, and Àfò respectively. It is also used

preceding the name of a deity, person, or set of circumstances,

etc., after which a person is named: e.g. Nwudō (son of Udō,

a deity); Nwọòrà (son of all); Nwoòlìsà (son of Òlìsà, God);

Nwachukwu (son of God); Nwiijè (for a son born away from

home)

C. young of animal

nwa agū

very young leopard

nwa atụlū

lamb

nwa ewū

young goat; kid

D. used to make a noun phrase (often corresponding to an

English adjective) out of a descriptive word

nwa àkàkpò

dwarf; stunted person

nwa bìàlìì

soft, smooth quality

nwa bùù

quietness; ease

nwa mkpìlìkpì

very small, short, quality or amount (cf. mkpìlìkpì)

nwa mkpìlìkpì ogè

moment; minute; very short time

nwa mpe, mpe

very short, little, smallish state (of human beings in particular,

and animals):

Nwa mpe kà ọ bù

He is smallish

nwa nkenke

very short (cf. nkenke)

nwa ntịkōlọ

very little, small amount, etc.:

Tìnye nwa ntịkọlọ mmīli n’ime ìtè Put very little water into

the pot

nwantịntị

small amount, state, etc.:

Chèlụ nwantịntị Wait a little

nwa pe, nwa mpe

a very small, little

220

nnwọò

see nwọò

ǹnya

sticky gum

ǹnyàafù,

yesterday:

ǹnyàafùlụ, ǹnyàa

Mmilī zòlù ǹnyàafù It rained yesterday

-no

swallow

ònuno

swallowing

-nodà

swallow down

-nomìna

swallow down

-no uno

try to eat more than one's share

-nọ + 1.

be slimy, slippery

-nọ ànọ

be slippery, slimy (as okra or ògbònò soup, gum, etc.):

Ofe nōlụ ànọ adīrọ àsọ m, ya kpàtàlù nà mụ adīrọ èli ofe

ògbònò I dislike slimy soups; for that reason I do not eat

ògbònò soup

-nọcha

slide; slip (= nwàcha, -kwàcha):

Ànì nà-ème nnọcha n’ùtụtū à màkà nà mmilī ezòka

ǹnyàafù The ground is slippery this morning because there

was a lot of rain yesterday

ofe ōnịnọ

soup prepared with okra, or ọgbọnọ, or both

-nọ 2.

rub thoroughly; massage

-nọcha

rub; clean; polish:

Achòlù m ìnōcha mmà m kà ọ na-akwā màlàmàlà I want to

polish my sword so that it will be glittering

-nọ ọgwù

rub balm (on a particular place)

-nọ + 3.

v.:

-nọ mmilī

(used with obì or ume) be fearful, worried:

Èri m jì nụ nà ụgbọ gbùlù mmadù n’ụzō Āba kà obī jì ànọ

m#mmilī màkà nà nwụnyè m jēlụ ịzūta ife n’Àba akà

ànatarọ Since learning that somebody was killed by a lorry

on the Aba road I have been worried, because my wife who is

away in Aba to buy something has not returned

-nò

be in a place (of animate creatures); stay; dwell; be at home

(cf. -bi, which refers to more permanent living); sit

ònùnò

staying; dwelling

-nò anya

represent; be in place of

-nòchi

usurp someone's place; take the place of; succeed

-nòchi anya

A. take the place of (somebody); succeed; follow:

Samsìn nà-àbịa ịnòchì anya m#Samson is coming to replace

B. block the vein:

Agà m anòchi ī anya kà ị ghàlụ ịfū ife a nà-ème n’ime ụnò

òfụma I am going to block your view in order to prevent you

from seeing what is going on in the room properly

221

-nòchibìdo

besiege; prevent; hinder:

Ndi ilō m nà-àkwado ịnōchìbìdò m ịbà n’òtù ụmù òkolọbìà

My enemies are trying to bar my entry into the young men’s

association

-nòdèbe

sit, stay near

-nòdide

continue, remain (of person)

-nòdo

sit on:

Ò gịnī kpatalụ nwa nkịtā afū jì èbe akwā? Ọ bù Èjìmâ

nòdòlù ya n’isi, mà adōgo m#ya aka na ntì kà ọ rapù ịnòdò

nwa nkịtā n’isi màkà nà nwa nkìtā nwèlù ike ịtā ya Why is

that puppy crying? It is Ejima who is sitting on its head, but I

have warned her to stop sitting on its head because it may bite

her

-nòdolụ

be with:

Nòdolụ m#nwantịntị ogè Stay with me for a short while

Nòdụlụm#Stay with me (name for an ògbanje)

-nòdụ ànì

sit; sit down:

Gwa yā kà ọ nòdụ ànì Tell him to sit down

nòdụ mmā

goodbye (to one going home)

-nòfè

sit around

nògboo

greeting to a person travelling (lit. return early!)

-nòkọ

sit together; assemble

-nòkọba ọnū

assemble; sit together

-nòkọ ọnū

sit together, assemble:

Ànyị gà-anòkọ ọnū We shall sit together

-nòkwu

stay longer:

Bikō nòkwue Please stay longer!

-nòlịlị

stay up to the present; be still waiting, staying:

Ì nòlìlì? Are you still waiting, staying, here?

-nò n’aka ebē

stand surety

-nò nà mbe

stand surety for

-nò n’ọkwa

be in a post, position

-nò n’ùdo

live in peace

-nò n’ùfụ

be in distress

-nò n’ụjū

be (in) mourning

-nò n’ụnò

be at home:

Nnā ānyị nò n’ụnò Father is in

-nònyelụ

dwell with; stay with; sit with

Nònyelụm#Stay with me (name for an ògbanje)

-nò ọdù

tarry; stay long; delay; remain

-nòpùta

withdraw (esp. from fire); sit away from

-nòrube

surround; sit round

-nòrụka

stay long; sit on one side; sit out of the way

222

-nòsasị

sit scattered apart

-nòsị

finish staying

-nòtè aka

be far away, at a distance; stay away long

-nò ùwà

be reborn; reincarnate:

Òkeēke nòlù nwa mụ ùwà Okeeke has reincarnated as my

child:

Ọ bù nnā ānyị ochiè nòlù mù ùwà It is our grandfather who

is reincarnated in me

-nòwanye

sit down carelessly and uninvited among a group

-nòzi

sit straight, properly

nọòfụ

so; thus; in this manner:

Kà ọ dị nọòfụ It is enough, or Stop it at that, or, Let it remain

like that, in that form

nọònwọ, nọònwa

so; thus; here (cf. n’ebe à):

Ọ dì nọònwọ It is here

nrā

fine

-dà nrā

fine

-li nrā

fine:

Fâ lìlì ya nrā They fined him

-ra nra

pay a fine; levy a fine

ǹra

comb

-ra isi

comb the hair:

Anà m àchọ ịrā isi m#I want to comb my hair

-ra ǹra

comb (with comb)

ǹràmanya

equality (-rà 1. be equal)

-kè ǹràmanya

divide equally:

Bikō kèe anụ afù ǹràmanya Please divide that meat equally

ǹri

used in:

ụkwalā nri

whooping-cough (cf. ụkwalà ntìrịìrì)

Ǹrì

A. settlement of Nri, founded by Nri son of Èrì, and its

people; (more loosely) people who claim some kind of

relationship with Nri

àka Ǹrì

dwarf associated with Nri people

Ama Ǹrì the Nri village square, believed by many

surrounding groups to be a resting place en route to the land

of the dead

Ezē Ǹrì the sacred king of Nri

nwa Ǹrì

an Nri man who has taken the Ichi title and travels widely

through Igbo-land exercising ritual and political authority

òdìnàànị Ǹrì

Nri culture

B. (in Nri) the highest ritual-political title in Nri and Oreri:

Ǹrì bù echichi Nri is a title

ǹrịkō

crab

223

nrù

service; bondage; homage; veneration

-fè nrù

serve; wait upon; pay tribute; worship

ifè nrù

serving; tribute

òfùfe ǹrù

A. traditional presentation of gifts to the ọkpala, esp. at great

feasts

B. church service; religious worship (Protestant usage)

ǹsala

watery soup; "pepper soup"

ofe nsala

kind of soup which is watery (sometimes with little or no oil);

"pepper soup"

nsam

small shellfish found in salt water; periwinkle (cf. ejùnà,

kòso)

nsansa 1., nshansha

small amount (of liquid)

nsansa mmīli

shower of rain; few drops of rain

nsansa 2.

flatness

afele nsansa

flat plate

ǹsèli

(-sè 1. bring out) used in:

ǹsèli àzù

heron

nsi

poison; sorcery

-ghe nsi

prepare poison

-gwọ nsi

work sickness or death by means of magic or poison

-kọ nsi

practise sorcery against

-kụ nsi

poison; practise sorcery against

-nye nsi

poison

ǹsìsì

a measure of volume

ǹsị

dung; faeces; excreta, manure, shit

òchìchị nsị

defecation with grunts

ǹsị ègbè

(fig.) gunpowder

ǹsịkō

used in:

mkpà ǹsịkō

cramp; pins and needles

ǹso

nearness; the vicinity of

-bịa ǹso

approach

-dị ǹso

be near; be at hand

-kpụdèbè ǹso

draw, come near

nsò

queue

nsògbu

trouble (-sògbu trouble)

nsọ

A. (in general) sacredness; things or acts that are holy and/or

forbidden (including both asọ and nsọ B.)

-dị nsọ

A. be holy, revered:

Ọ dì nsọ It is holy

B. be a saint:

Pọòlụ dī nsọ St Paul

Òlili Nsọ (Christian usage) Holy Communion

ụnò nsō

Church building

224

B. forbidden things and acts, including both those which are

forbidden or taboo (= nsọ C.) and those which are

abominations (nsọ ànì, = alū)

nsọ ànì

an act forbidden by the land, or abomination, which cannot be

ritually undone but must be 'dragged' in an expiatory ritual

which involves dragging a live chicken tied to òmụ round the

town:

Onye mē nsọ ànì mèlù alū; ọ gà-àkpụ alū Whoever commits

an act forbidden by the land commits abomination; he must

'drag' the abomination

C. taboo; forbidden act which if committed must be undone

-dị na nsọ:

be forbidden, prohibited, taboo:

Ọ dì na nsọ It is forbidden

-me nsọ

break a taboo; do a forbidden thing:

Onye mē nsọ, ọ gà-èmegha nsō Whoever commits a

forbidden act must undo it

-sọ nsọ

forbid; prohibit; taboo:

Ànyị nà-àsọ yā We forbid it (for ritual reasons)

ǹsụ

stammering

onye nsụ

stammerer

-sụ ǹsụ

stammer; stutter

nsụkpe, nsụtụ

noise as of a steamboat; puffing

nsụsù

light jab (-sù 2.)

nsụsū ōnụ

kiss

nsụtụ, nsụkpe

noise as of a steamboat; a puffing

nta

hunting

nta egō

striving for money

-chụ nta

hunt; go hunting

di ntā

hunter

-gba nta

hunt

-je nta

hunt

ndị ntā

hunters

nwa di ntā

hunter's attendant

ògba nta

hunter

ntà

used in:

anwụ ntà

mosquito

ntàkịlị

very small

nwatà ntà

small child

ụkwalà ntà

tuberculosis

ǹtaǹta

bogeyman (used to frighten children) (= mbùmbu)

ǹtàǹta

meat

ǹtàtàlabù,

used in:

ǹtàtabùlabù

225

-yi ǹtàtàlabù

tickle (to make laugh)

ǹte, ntē

small cricket

ǹti

beater (shortened form of ǹtiti) (-ti 1. beat)

ǹti āja

(lit. beater of walls) instrument for smoothing wet wall,

especially of a new building

ǹti àkwà

(lit. beater of clothes) a club-like wooden instrument shaped

like a short pestle and used by native washermen in place of

an iron in smoothing thick heavy native clothes

ǹti ūnò

wooden tool for smoothing house walls and floor

ǹtì

cheek

ǹtiti

tool for smoothing walls and floors (see ǹti)

ntì

ear

ntì akwà

hem or edge of cloth

ntì ikē

obstinacy; perverseness

ntì ịkpō

headstrongness

onye ntì ịkpō

a headstrong person (mainly used for children):

Ọ bù onye ntì ịkpō He is a headstrong person

ntī ōke

wild waterleaf

-che (be) ntì

listen

-chi ntì

be deaf, obstinate, disobedient

-do ntì

warn; admonish; exhort

-gè ntì

listen

-gba ntì

probe the ear

-kachi ntì

be stubborn, wilful, disobedient

-kpà ntì

listen carelessly; pretend not to hear; be obstinate (lit. close

ear)

-kpọchi ntì

be deaf, stubborn (lit. lock ear)

mkpọchi ǹtì

stubbornness; habitual disobedience (usu. of young person)

-naghà ntì

act wilfully

-ŋa ntì

listen; heed; incline the ear; pay attention

-tò ntì n’ànì

hearken; pay attention (lit. lay the ear on the ground)

ntī oke

kind of vegetable (Talinum triangulare Willd.)

ntìrịìrì

used in:

ụkwalà ntìrịìrì

whooping-cough (cf. ụkwalā nri)

ǹtò 1.

kidnapping; captivity

-tò ǹtò

kidnap

ǹtò 2.

used in:

ǹtọ ànì

foundation; origin:

Achòlù m ịmā ǹtọ ànì emume afù I want to know the origin

of the custom

-tò ǹtọ ànì

lay foundation

ǹtu

nail (used in carpentry)

ǹtù

(-tù 1.) down (= ùlumē)

226

ǹtù azù

scales of fish

ǹtu ōkụkò

soft bodyfeathers or down

ntubu 1.

difficulty

ntubu 2.

rolling

ntùtù

hair (of head, etc.; cf. ajị, body hair)

ntùtù anyā

eyelash

ntùtù isī

hair of head

ntụ

ash; powder

ntụ egbè

gunpowder

ntụ ntụ

grey; ash-coloured:

Òkpu afù nà-àcha ntụ ntụ The cap is ash-grey

ntụ ọkū

ash

ogbènyè ọnụ ntū

very poor, destitute, person

-wụ ntụ

buy gunpowder

ǹtụ

deception; guile; craft; cunning

-tụ ntụ

tell a lie:

Ị nà-àtụ ntụ

You are telling a lie

ǹtù

used in:

ǹtù akā

whitlow

ntụlụ

hardship; misfortune

ǹtụmādị, ǹtụmade

suddenness; unexpectedness

ife ntụmādị

unexpected, sudden thing; accident:

Ọ bù ife ntụmādị It is an unexpected thing:

Ife ntumādî mèlù An unexpected thing happened

nà ǹtụmade

suddenly; unexpectedly:

Afù m Ọjì nà ǹtụmade I saw Ọjị unexpectedly

ǹtùmàdì, ǹtùmàdù,

used in:

tùmàdì, tùmàdù

mà ǹtùmàdì

especially; particularly:

Ọ nà-àsọ m#ijē mkpaghalị nà mgbèdè anyàsì tùmàdù nà m

nòdụ n’èzùmike I love going on a stroll in the evenings,

particularly when I am on leave

ǹtụtū

needle

-nu 1.

push; take hold of and cause to move

ònunu

pushing

-nu aka

push

-nubà

push in

-nu enu

urge; force someone to do something against his wish

-nufù

mislead; deceive; advise wrongly; seduce; push out of the way

-nughalị

go about (in a herd or crowd); push about

-nukpọ

urge on; hurry on

-nunù

entangle; perplex; bewilder; be entangled

-nunye

push into (e.g. trouble, problematic situation); mislead into

227

-nupù

push out; sail, push off (a boat); set off (in vehicle)

-nupù afọ

act as purgative; have a big belly

-nupùta

force out; gush out

-nurù

take hold and shake

-nutù

push down

-nu + 2.

be bitter

-nu inu

be bitter:

Ọgwū ǹkaà nà-ènu inū This drug is bitter

-nu 3.

buy (palmwine, or other native drink); cf. -go, -zụ buy

(anything else); -kpa (buy oil only)

-nuta mmanya

buy native wine (e.g. palm wine):

Jèe nùtalụ m#mmanya Go and buy me some palm wine

-nu 4.

rear animals

ònunu

rearing (animals)

ife enunu

domestic animals; cattle; poultry

-nu + 5.

v.:

-nu ọbìà

offer hospitality (= -ne ọbìà)

-nù + 1.

v.:

-nù inu

ask riddle; use proverb:

Bikō nùelụ m#òfu inū Please give me a proverb

-nù 2.

deriv.suff.

ever:

Ò bịanùrò ebe à He never visited here:

Ò fụnùgo ụzò? Was he ever able to see?

-nùta

(deriv.suff.) never; not ever (with negative verb):

Ọ mā enwenùta ike ibūtù m n’ànì She will never be able to

throw me to the ground

nụ

enc.

indicates strong request, begging (stronger than lì)

Gwànụ m#Please tell me

Nyènụ m#nnu Give me some salt, please!

-nụ + 1.

hear

ònụnụ

hearing

-nụ anụ

hear; obey

-nụcha

hear well

-nụfìè

hear incorrectly

-nụfịalụ

overhear

-nụ isì

smell; scent

-nụ okwu

hear; obey

-nụta ìkpè

hear bad talk about someone (and often report it)

-nụ + 2.

marry

ònụnụ

marrying:

Anùlù m ya ǹnyàafù I married her yesterday

-nụ di

marry (of woman)

-nụ nwaànyì

marry (of man)

228

-nụ nwunye

marry (of man)

-nụ + 3.

v.:

-nụ ọkụ

be warm

-nụ ọkụ n’obì

be zealous, enthusiastic; agitate; anger; enrage

nù

enc.

plural:

Bìanù! Come, you people!:

Dàalụ nù Greetings to you all:

Kà ànyị lie nù Let's eat:

Fa bīago nù They've come

-nù

fight; war; strive

-nù agha

fight a war; war

-nùcha

loot

-nù ògù

fight (a fight)

-nùpù isi

be disobedient; rebel; revolt

-nùsò

strive, fight, against; war with

-nùsò agha

war against; engage in battle against

-nùsò ògù

fight against

-nùta

fight for; spoil; rob; loot:

Òkeēke tìlì nwa Okaàfò, Okaàfò weè je ịnùtà ògù Okeeke

beat Okaafọ's son, so Okaafọ went to fight on his behalf

-nù ùnù

struggle

onye nnụsō ògù

an enemy

ònùmà

severe displeasure; wrath; fury (stronger than iwe)

-nù-cha

purify; prove; try; refine; be purified, proved, etc. (metals, by

fire)

nụfù

dem.

that yonder:

Nye m#ifeē nụfù

Give me that thing yonder

nụnwà

dem.

this (cf. nwà)

nụù

dem.

that; that yonder

nwa

see nnwa

nwà

enc.

very, -self (used with nominals):

Kèdụ màkà gị nwà? And how are you yourself?

mụ nwà

I myself

ndi à nwà

these very ones

n gị nwà

you; yourself; thou; thyself (emphatic)

-nwà 1.

attempt; try; essay; tempt; prove

ònwùnwà

temptation; trial; proof

nwà kene!

just try! Try first!

-nwàne

try; tempt; attempt

-nwànye

try (to a praiseworthy extent)

-nwà òkò

try one’s best

-nwà 2.

-nwàpù

spit out

nwaāmịlị,

urine

nwaāmili

nwaàyì, nwaànyì

woman

nwaànyì akpù obì

freshwater flying fish (Pantodon buchholzi) (= òjì n kù)

229

nwaànyì ime

pregnant woman

agadiì nwaànyì

old woman

agbàlà nwaànyì

woman of great influence or of strong, stout build

àjàdù nwaànyì

widow

enyì nwaàyì

girl-friend; woman friend

ezè nwaàyì

queen

-nụ nwaànyì

marry (of man)

nwanne nwaàyì

sister; female relative

ọgò nwaàyì

mother-in-law; female relative-in-law;

-nwà-cha

be slippery (as of mud)

nwantan ta

unknown person; dummy; make-believe; creature of

imagination; bogey-man

nwantan ta anyā

pupil of eye

nwayò, nwayòò

gentleness; quietness; slow, gentle movement:

Nwayòò Gentle (advice, greeting, warning, sympathy)

Wèlụ nwayòò Be gentle, careful

Adì m nwayòò I am gentle, quiet (by nature)

Wèlụ nwayòò na-èje Be walking, going, gently

Nòdụ nwayòò Sit or stay quietly or, Be quiet

Nwayòò bù ijè The best way of doing anything is to go about

it gently, carefully and confidently. (Lit. Gentleness is

journey)

nwayòò nwayòò

very gently, slowly, softly; gradually

Na-àkpụ yā nwayòò nwayòò Be pulling it gently or slowly

-nwe

have; own

ònwunwe

having

-nwe afọ ọma

be generous, kind, benevolent

-nwe àgbà

have a say in; have influence

-nwe aka ntachi

be stingy, miserly

-nwe ākọ

be intelligent

-nwe anya ukwu

covet

-nwe àtù

have an equal, another of its kind

-nwe efè

have a chance; find it convenient; have an opportunity:

Ènwerọ m efè I have no chance, opportunity

-nwe èzi nà ụnò

become a householder

-nwefọ

have remaining

-nwe ifele

be shy, reserved, considerate

enwe ifele

unrestrained; unabashed

-nwe ike

be capable, strong, able

enwe ike

weak, feeble, incapable, incompetent, useless

-nwe isi

be reasonable; be successful, fruitful

enwe isi

useless

-nwe isi akwụkwọ

be brainy, brilliant (at studies)

-nwe isi awele

be lucky; have good luck

-nweka

have much:

Anà m ènweka letà I have a lot of mail

-nwekọlịta

have in common:

Ò nwerọ ife ayị nwèkòlìtàlù ọnụ We have nothing in

common

-nwe ònwe

be free

-nwe òfọ

be innocent, in the right, just

-nwe ọnụ

be talkative

have an (influential) voice in; be in a position to be listened to

230

-nweta

obtain; get

-nwe uchè

be sensible, wise

enwe uchè

simpleness; foolishness

-nwe ùbụlù

be intelligent, brainy, sensible, brilliant

o nwee

if; suppose; supposing that

onye nwe

lord; master; mistress; owner

Onye nwe ayị The Lord

-nwè

see -nwò

-nwo

pluck; remove (grains of maize, ripe palm-nuts, from cob or

bunch); fall out (e.g. from the socket like a joint or ripe fruit)

-nwoji

break off

nnwòji, nnwoji

sprain; dislocation

-nwojipù

be out of joint

-nwosị

pluck, remove (grains of maize or ripe palm-fruits from cob or

bunch respectively)

-nwosịsì

drop leaves or unripe fruit (of tree)

-nwò, -wò, -nwè

change; be changed; metamorphose; transfigure

ònwùnwè,

changing

ònwùnwò

-nwò àrụ, -wò àrụ

change bodily appearance (e.g. put mask on or off)

-nwò ènwò, -wò

change; be changed; metamorphose; be transfigured

èwò

-gbanwò

change; exchange

Bikō gbanwòolụ m ji n kaà màkà nà o lèlù ùle Please

change this yam for me, for it is rotten:

Ndị àfè ojiiì jìdèlù òfu nwoke nā-agbanwò egō n’afịa The

police arrested a man exchanging money in the market:

Anà m èje ụnọ àkù ịgbānwò ego ochiìè m fùlù n’akpàtì m

n nyàafù I am going to the bank to change the old money I

found in my box yesterday

nwoke , nnwoke

man; male

agadiì nwoke

old man

-ma nnwoke

not to be in state of virginity (of woman) (lit. know a man)

nwanne nwoke

brother; male relation

nwa nwoke

male child; son

nwatà nwoke

boy; son

ọgò nwoke

father-in-law; male relative-in-law

ụmù nwoke

men (as opposed to women)

nwọò, n nwọò,

dem.

this; at this time; now; like this:

wọò

Ife n nwọò fa dèbèlù n’agìga iìlo nà-èyi ụmù akā egwù

This thing they placed beside the road frightens the children.

Etu ọ dìlì n’ìzìzì kà ọ dì nwọò... As it was in the beginning,

is now ...:

Mèe yā n nwọò Do it like this

Etu m dì kà m dì nwọò ènwerọ m ịke ịtā afụfụ màkà nà

abù m nnukwu ògàlànyà As I am (in my present position) I

cannot suffer any deprivation because I am a fabulously rich

man

-nwu

shine; burn; be clean, pure, bright; flare; blaze

ònwunwu

shining; burning; being clean

-nwuchapù

be thoroughly clean; wash, rinse out; absolve

-nwuchita anya

dazzle the eyes

-nwu enwu

231

shine; blaze; flare

be clean, pure, bright

-nwu gbàà

shine, glitter, very brightly; be very white

-nwugha

change colour

-nwulàpù

flash

-nwulu ọkụ

catch fire

-nwu màlàmàlà

dazzle; be dazzling

-nwupù

glitter

-nwusà

shine around; illuminate

nwunyè, nwunyì

female; wife

nwuny+e diì

co-wife

nwunyè nnà

stepmother

ego nwunyè

bride-price

-kùchi nwunyè

take the wife of a dead person

-nụ nwunyè

marry (of man)

-nwụ

die

ònwụnwụ

dying

-nwụ anwụ

be dead

-nwụnye ọlụ

be very ill, half-dead

-nwụ ọnwụ Chiì

die a natural death:

Nwoke afù nwùlù ọnwụ Chiì ya The man died a natural

death

-gbanwụ

wither; shrink; be numb

be paralysed

be very incapable, inefficient

anwụ anwụ

neg. noun phrase, as in:

Onye à bù anwụ anwụ This person never seems to get old,

or, This person bears a charmed life

-nwụ 2.

catch; grip

-nwụ àrụ

make ill; be ill; cause illness

(àrụ) nwụ

be sick:

Àrụ nà-ànwụ yā He is sick

àrụ ọ nwụnwụ

illness

-nwụde

catch; grip; seize; throw in wrestling; catch (e.g. thief) red-

handed

-nwụdo

catch; snare

-nwù- 1.

v.:

-nwùchi anya

close, shut eyes

-nwù 2.

ext. suff.

again; re- (denoting repetition of an action)

-denwù

re-iron; iron again:

Achòlù m kà ị denwùa akwà afù I want you to re-iron that

cloth

-sụnwù

re-wash; wash again:

Ọ gà-àsụnwù akwà ọ sùlù n’ùtụtù She will re-wash the

cloth she washed in the morning

-nwù, -ñù- 3. +

-nwù ọnwù

take without permission from a close friend:

Ọ chìlì àfe ìgọzi ijì nwùsa ykā ọnwù She took Ngọzi’s

clothes because they were intimate (implies N. can easily

spare them and will not be annoyed)

-nwùta

borrow (clothes, accessories, etc.) to wear to make a good

impression

232

nya 1.

see ya

-nya 2.

be sticky

-nyachi

stop up cracks; seal

-nyado

stick; stop up a hole

-nyakụ

adhere; cling; stick

-nyakụdo

adhere to; cling to; stick to

-nya + 3.

-nya ọkụ

warm oneself; bask

-nyà 1.

bend; drive (a vehicle)

ònyìnyà

bending; driving

nnyagò

crookedness; sinuousness; bent state

-nyà- 2.

break

-nyàji

(trans. and intrans.) break asunder; snap:

(trans.) Ènwè afù nà-àchọ ịnyàjì alakā osisi The monkey is

going to break the branch of the tree:

(intrans.) Alakā osisi afù gà-anyàji tupu ụtụtù echiì The

branch of the tree will break before tomorrow morning

-nyàjipù

break, snap, off:

Nyajìpù alakā osisi afù Break off the branch of the tree

-nyàka

break off; pull off; sever; pluck off violently

-nyàkapù

pull off, pluck off, sever, break off, violently

-nyàpelụ

break off a fragment:

Nyàpelụ nwantịntị àchìchà tàa Break off a small piece of

biscuit and eat

-nyàwa

break in pieces (usu. of soft objects like bread, cake):

Nyàwaa àchìchà afù ụzò naàbọ Break the bread into two

-nyà +

v.:

-nyà isi

boast:

Ọ nà-anyàka isi He boasts too much

;nyamanyama

stickiness:

Ọgwụ diCníme mkpò afù nà-ème nyamanyama The drug

in that small bottle is sticky

-nye 1.

give:

Nye m

Give me

ònyinye

giving

-nye ala

breast-feed (lit. give breast)

-nye aka

help; assist; aid (lit. give a hand to):

Bikō nyè akā Please help:

Nyèlụ m aka Help me

-nyechìata

give back: (= -nyechìgha)

Ị nyechìatago yā akwụkwọ yā? Have you given him his

book back?

-nyechì(gha)

give back, restore, return (something)

-nye efè

give a chance; make way for; give room for

-nye ego n gàlì

bribe; give a bribe

-nyefè

hand over

-nyefè

give to excess

-nye iru

pay attention to

-nyeju

supply

-nyeju afọ

feed well

233

-nye n’aka

commit; hand over to

-nye n dùmòọdụ

give counsel, advice

-nye n gàlì

bribe

-nye nsògbu

trouble; vex; persecute

-nye nsọpùlụ

give respect

-nye nzu#

pronounce judgement in favour of; justify; acquit

-nye ònyìnye

give a present make an offering (especially in church during

harvest, and periodically); make donation

-nyerube

give round; distribute:

Nyèrube ụmù akā àchìchà Serve the biscuits round to the

children

-nye ụsaà

offer excuse

ònyìnye

gift; donation; church harvest

obiì ònyìnye

generous mind; benevolent disposition

(also -nye-lụ) into, to, with (following another verb, as if

suffix)

-bànye

enter:

Ọ bànyego ụnò She has entered the house

-kwenye

agree with:

Ị kwenyego nífe ànyị kwùlù? Do you agree with what we

said?

-nònyelụ

stay with:

Nònyelụ m Stay, abide, with me

-tinye

put into:

Tìnye akwụkwọ níme akpàtì Put a book into the box

-wụnye

pour into (esp. liquids)

-nye 2.

stop, park (of vehicle); land, moor (of boat); stay temporarily:

Ụgbọ afù ènyego The lorry has stopped, or parked

-nyedo

stop, park (vehicle)

-nye ìkwuù

encamp

-nye n’ànì

land, moor, come alongside, bring alongside (of and from a

boat)

used in:

-nye kà ụgbọ

(slang) be good, right, fitting, beautiful:

Akwà nwa āgbọghọ afụ yì nyèlù kà ụgbọ The dress on

that lady is very attractive:

Oche diCgasị níme ụnò m ọfụlụ nyèlù kà ụgbọ The chairs

in my new building are very grand

-nyi

get up:

Nyìe ọtọ Stand up:

Nyìri Stand up and go

-nyì

be weighty, heavy

ònìnyì

being heavy, weighty

-nyìdo

load heavily; become too heavy for:

Ibu afù anyìdogo Èjìma The load has become too heavy for

Ejima. (Ejima has been walking along with the load on her

head but now the load has become so weighty that she can no

longer move)

-nyìgbu

overload; load to death; be overloaded, heavy-laden:

Bìàkutenù m ụnù ndị ibu nà-anyìgbu Come unto me, all ye

that are heavy-laden

be too much for; be beyond one’s ability:

234

Ọ nyìlì gị You cannot, or It is beyond your ability:

Ọ nyìlì gị ịmā m òla It is beyond your ability to slap me

used in:

-nyì ànyì

(fig.) be very many, plentiful, more than enough:

Òlili nà òñụñqụ nyìlì ànyì nébe àgbàmakwụkwọ Ndù

There was much to eat and drink at Ndụ’s wedding

-nyò

peep; observe; stare; spy; look through (microscope,

telescope, etc.)

ònyìnyò

shadow; reflection; picture

-nyòcha

examine; look at thoroughly, closely

nnyòcha

thorough examination

-nyòcha

be inquisitive, curious (fig.)

Ị nā-enyòchaka You are too inquisitive

oke nnyòcha

great curiosity (esp. about small things)

-nyòchata

be curious, inquisitive:

Ị nā-enyòchataka You are too inquisitive

nnyòchata

curiosity; inquisitiveness

-nyò ènyò

peep

ènyò

mirror

nnyòkan nyò

inquisitiveness; curiosity (lit. much looking):

(Proverb) Nnyòkan nyò kà mgbọ jìlì da ènwè nísi Because

of the monkey’s inquisitiveness, a bullet hit it on the head. (cf.

curiosity killed the cat)

-nyọ +

-nyọ ụkọlọ

be lazy

-nyụ 1.

excrete; secrete; ooze

-nyụ arùlù

pass wind, fart, ‘gas’

-nyụsịsị

ooze out; spout

-nyụ 2.

be extinguished; die out; go out (of light, fire)

ònyụnyụ

being extinguished; dying out

-nyụ nkọ

be blunt

-tinyụ

extinguish by beating:

Ejì m aka tinyu ọkụ I beat out the light with my palm

-nyụkwùdo

shut the eyes

-nyụ + 3.

-nyụ afịa

be unprofitable, almost unsaleable (of commodity in market)

(fig.) be reactionary

Ọ nyùlù afịa He is reactionary

nzā

very small bird sp.

ǹza

support; stay

ǹzà 1.

filter (-zà 2. filter)

ǹzà 2.

lot(s) (as in casting lots)

(ǹzà) -ma

fall on (of lot):

Ọ bù mụ kà ǹza mālụ It is me on whom the lot fell

Ǹzà màlù Èke The lot fell on Eke

-fe ǹzà

cast lots:

Ànyị gà-èfe ǹzà We shall cast lots

ǹzàlì

A. horsetail usually held by chiefs; the feathery part of the

235

maize flower

B. (for some speakers) mane; fleece (= òzà 2.)

ǹzè

sacred ritual objects of clan to which an ọzō candidate is

dedicated (Henderson 1972: 259); hence generally, title

ǹzè nà ọzō

the highest title

onye ǹzè

titled person

nzèlè

tribute, anything due to ǹzè

ǹzịza, òzịza

swelling; lump (-za 2. swell)

ǹzìzà 1.

worship; homage

ǹzìzà 2.

large broom for sweeping outdoors

ǹzò

used in:

ǹzò ụkwū

footprint, footstep (-zò ụkwụ)

nzū

white clay (used for whitening, ceremonies, etc.)

nzu oyìbo

chalk; lime

-kà nzū

mark, write on, the floor, ground, or any object with nzū

(traditional)

-tụ nzū

sprinkle with chalk

ǹzù

wit

nzùkọ

meeting; council (-zùkọ)

ǹzuzō, ǹzuzo

hiding; secret (-zo 1. hide)

-dị ǹzuzō

be secret:

Ọ nò n’ebe dī nzuzo She is in a secret place

ife nzuzo

secret thing

nzuzù

stupidity; foolhardiness

Ŋ.

-ŋa 1.

singe; burn; scorch

òŋịŋa

scorching

-ŋacha

singe; burn; scorch

-ŋa ògbàdụ

roast corn

-ŋa n’ọkụ

roast

-ŋa + 2.

listen

-ŋa ntì

listen; heed; incline the ear; pay attention

-ŋà 1.

be in excess

òŋìŋà

being in excess:

Àdịrō m èli ofe nnu ŋàlù I do not eat soup with excessive

salt

Mmilī ŋàlù mmanya ǹkaà This palmwine has been

excessively diluted with water. (Lit. Water is in excess in this

palmwine)

-ŋà 2.

be spoilt by exposure ;to sunlight (of yam, cassava, cocoyam,

236

etc.)

-ŋà 3.

shake (tr.); roll (intr.)

-ŋàgha

shake (a container of liquid):

Ŋàghaa ìtè ọgwù afù Shake the medicine pot

-ŋàghalị

A. shake (a container of liquid) around:

Ŋàghalịa ìtè ọgwù afù kà ọgwū dī n’imē ya wèlụ jezùe ọnū

Shake the pot of medicine round so that the medicine in it

may mix well

B. roll about (as of a boat on water), swing here and there

(intr.):

Nèe kà ụgbọ afū sì aŋàghalị n’enu mmīli See how that boat

is rolling about on the water:

Kèdu ǹkè ị nà-aŋàghalị kà ụgbọ? Why are you rolling about

like a boat?

-ŋà-cha

A. rinse (tr.):

Ejīgo m nchà sasịa afele. Ọ fòzìlì kà m ji mmili dī mma

ŋàchaa yā I have washed the plate with soap. It remains for

me to rinse it with clean water:

Ŋàchaa ārụ nnwā Rinse the body of the child

B. fade (intr.) (of colour, photo, etc.):

Akwà afù nà-aŋàcha àŋàcha That cloth fades, or that cloth

is fading:

Akwà afù nà-ème nŋàcha That cloth fades, or that cloth is

fading:

Akwà m àŋachàpùgo My cloth has faded

ŋàlàŋàlà

warmness; tepidness

-dị ŋàlàŋàlà

be warm, lukewarm:

Bùtelụ m mmili dī ŋàlàŋàlà Bring me some warm water

-kpò ŋàlàŋàlà

be warm, lukewarm (of objects, e.g. water):

Kùtelụ m mmili kpōlụ ŋàlàŋàlà Bring me some lukewarm

water

-ŋe

step over

òŋiŋe

stepping over

-ŋefè

step over; trespass:

Eŋēfègo m ōzu agwō dịchili ụzò I have stepped over the dead

snake on the path

-ŋefèga

step over; trespass:

Bikō eŋēfègàkwònà okè mụ nà gị màkà nà achōrọ m kà ị

bàta n’ànì m Please do not overstep our boundary for I do

not want to find you on my land

-ŋefèta

step over

nŋefèta

stepping over; step; threshold (of door or house)

-ŋe òfì, òrì

step over somebody's outstretched legs; step over

-ŋò

borrow (anything but money) (cf. -nwù 3.)

237

-ŋò iyī

borrow thing used by another for oath-taking

-ŋòtalụ, -ŋùtalụ

borrow for; help borrow:

Jèe ŋòtalụ m òfu ochē Go and borrow a chair for me

-ŋò-mi

imitate

nŋòmi

imitation

ife nŋòmi

pattern; example

-ŋụ

drink:

Anà m èje ịŋū mmilī I am going to drink water

òŋụŋụ

drinking; drink

ife ōŋụŋụ

drink

mmili ōŋụŋụ

drinking water

-ŋụ ala

suck breast (of infants)

-ŋụbìga mmanya

get drunk

okè

-ŋụ iyī

take an oath; swear:

Ì nwèlù ike ịŋū iyī? Can you swear it?

òŋụŋụ iyī

oath-taking

-ŋụlụ

drink from; drink a little:

Ŋùlụ nwantịntị Drink a little

-ŋù + 1.

be glad; exult, rejoice (against); crow over

-ŋùlị

rejoice; jubilate

-ŋùlụ

receive; greet; congratulate; be fond of:

Òbi nà-aŋùlụ ụmù akā Obi is fond of children

Jèe ŋùalụ Ụnòọma Go and congratulate Ụnọọma

-ŋù ọŋù

A. be glad; exult; rejoice; crow over

B. (fig.) cry as a spoilt child

-ŋù 2.

see -nwù 3.

-ŋù-nụ, -ŋò-nụ

mimic; copy:

Ọ nà-aŋùŋụ nnwa nā-ebe akwā He is mimicking the child's

crying

see ọ

o 2.

emph.

used at end of sentence when speaking to someone at a

distance; sign of affirmation, or assent to a salutation:

Bìa ebe à o Come here!

"Dàalụ nù o" "Oo, gàba o" "Greetings to you all". "Yes,

come in"

-o

see -a

obē, ọbē

ladder; cross; cross-shaped loom:

Wèlu obē lìgolu enu ụnò Go up the house with a ladder

238

-kpọdo n’obē

nail to the cross, crucify:

A kpòdòlù Jisùs n’ọbē màkà ndị njọ Jesus was crucified for

sinners

Onye a kpòdòlù n’obē He who was crucified

òbèjìlì

sword with sheath

obelē, ọbelē 1.

small size

ọbele nnwā

small child; caressing words used by mothers to their children

obelē 2.

kind of bird

obì 1.

heart; chest; bosom; breast; centre

obì agū

daring, fearless like a leopard; brave:

Enwèlù m obì agū, ejīgo m aka tigbue nkịtā alā I am very

brave, I once beat a mad dog to death with my hands

(obì) -dị n’àzụ

A. be extremely wicked:

Ịpīa nwatà àrụ esirō ike ìtàlì bù obì ịdī n’àzụ Flogging a

child who is ill is extremely wicked

B. be foolhardy (= nzuzù):

Ijī aka jìde agwọ dī ndù bù obì ịdī n’àzụ Picking up a live

snake is foolhardy

obī ēbelè

mercy; kindness:

Ụkòchukwu bī n’òbòdo ānyî nwèlù obī ēbelè The priest

who lives in our town is kind, merciful

obì ikē

hardheartedness; relentlessness

obì mgbalù

melancholy; troubled mind

obì mgbawa

great anger; broken heart:

Ìlùlò bànyelụ ọnwụ ụmū Ōbi naàbò n’otù mbòsì nà-

ewètalụ yā obì mgbawa Brooding on the death in one day of

his two children is causing Obì heartbreak

obì mkpofù

act of forgiving people; good-natured character:

Ndù nwèlù obì ọkū mà nwekwuazị obì mkpofù Ndù is

quick-tempered but he does not bear a grudge

obì mkpū

queen termite

obì ndidè

A. nausea; indigestion:

Nni m rìlì n’ùtụtù nà-èdidē m obì The food I ate in the

morning is causing me nausea

B. kind-heartedness

obì nlò

tenderness; tender-heartedness:

Enwèlù m obì nlò I am tender-hearted

obī ōkwutē

stony-heartedness; hard-heartedness

obì ònyìnye

generous mind; benevolent disposition

obì ọcha

pure heart

obì ọjọō

ill-will; malice; bad temper; wickedness

obì ọkū

anger; hot temper

obì ọma

goodness; kindness; benevolence:

239

O jì obì ọma me ife o mèlù He acted in good faith

obì ụnò

homesickness:

Obì ụnò nà-ème m I am homesick

obī ūsọ

cheerfulness; happiness:

Ọdùdụ nnē m ènweka obī ūsọ The last-born of my mother is

very cheerful, jovial, has a rich sense of humour

-bu n’obì

learn by heart

-chìchapù obì

A. stand with chest thrust forward

B. be open-hearted, easygoing, without malice

-dàjụ obì

propitiate; appease; atone

-dìdè obì

A. make feel sick; cause nausea

B. yearn over; be affectionate

obì ndidè

nausea

-dìdo obì

be patient

-gbafù obì

take the breath away; startle; shock; make shudder (lit. make

the heart run away)

-gbu mgbu obì

pain in the heart

iwe obì

ill-nature; malice

-ka obì

A. be determined

B. be bold, brave

-kasì obì

comfort (usually a bereaved person)

nkasì obì

comfort; consolation

-kù n’obì

hold at the breast; carry in the bosom

-mafù obì

take the breath away

-malù obì

soothe the heart

mkpụlụ obì

heart

-nụ ọkụ n’obì

be zealous, enthusiastic; agitate; anger; enrage

-tachi obì

bear up; endure

ntachi obì

endurance

-ta obì mmīli

be callous, wicked, determined

-ti obì

embrace (lit. knock chests)

-tụkwàsị obì

trust; count on; hope in

ntụkwàsì obì

trust; hope; confidence

onye ntụkwàsị obì

person being trusted

-wèpù obì

dismiss from the mind

obì 2.

a fathom (used mainly for measuring cloth)

obì akwà

one Igbo yard of cloth

obì 3.

act of dwelling (-bi 1. dwell)

àgbàtà obì

neighbourhood; neighbour

onye àgbàtà obì

neighbour; next-door neighbour

ànì obì

empty plot for future building (of dwelling)

-ro obì

migrate; go and dwell elsewhere

òbi 1., òbu

A. ancestral house of the father (founder) of a village; house

240

belonging to the head of the family (as opposed to mkpukè,

woman’s house). The head of the house often retires here for a

rest or to entertain visitors, to perform ceremonies, settle

cases, and sometimes make offerings of his god(s). This

building also houses the family's images like chi, nkwù, arò

etc.; part of it is used as a store, e.g. for ropes for climbing

palmtrees

B. palace; court; reception house

ime ōbi

name given to interior of the palace where the king mostly

stays

òbi 2.

title of a King

òbibi

living (-bi 1. dwell)

òbìbì 1.

termination; end (-bì 2. terminate)

òbìbì 2.

printing (-bì 1. press)

òbò

disease where holes appear in flesh

òbòdò

town; country. An òbòdò is, in the Onitsha area, usually

subdivided into three 'quarters' and named Ezi, Ìfìtè and

Ìkeǹgà

ndi nche òbòdò

A. the town or village guards

B. the police

Òbòdò Isi Ōji

Africa

obodobo

width; breadth (cf. obosala)

obodobo irū

broad face

akwụkwọ

broad leaf:

ōbodòlòbo

Di ntā gbàgbùlù òsa wèlụ akwụkwọ òbodòlòbo kechie yā

The hunter killed a squirrel and wrapped it in a broad leaf

Proverb: Akwụkwọ ōbodòlòbo gwàlù òsa kà ọ wèlụ nwayòò

na-àkpọ màkà nà ọ bụlụ nà di ntā àbịa gbagbue yā nà ọ bù

ya bū akwụkwọ ōbodòlòbo kà di ntā gà-akùlụ wèlụ kechi

ōsa Lit. The broad leaf warned the squirrel to call gently

because when the hunter was attracted by the squirrel's call it

was he, the broad leaf, that the hunter was going to cut and

use for wrapping up the squirrel. Meaning:- Be careful how

you expose yourself to danger, risks, trouble, etc., because

whenever you involve yourself in trouble it is going to be I

(we) who will bear the brunt of it

obosala

width; breadth; levelness (of surface) (cf. obodobo)

òbu

see òbi 1.

òbù

Senegal Coucal (Centropus senegalensis)

òbùbò

heap (cf. òòbò)

òbùbò ọkū

heap of glowing coals

òbùbùbù

(slang) a mass of persons or things

oche, ọche

chair; stool; bench; seat

241

-wèlụ ọche

take a seat:

Wèlụ ọchē Take a seat

oche ezè

throne

ochīè, ochìè

A. old; aged; ancient

abù ochīè

old hymn book

Àgbà Ochīè

Old Testament

àgwà ochīè

old custom

mgbè ochīè

in the olden days

ndepùta ochīè

old edition

nne ochīè

maternal grandmother

òchi

A. cupping; drawing of blood with horn or horn-shaped

calabash from any part of the body to relieve congestion,

swelling, pain; getting rid of impure or stagnant blood

B. instrument used for cupping or letting blood

-chi òchi

cup; let blood

-gbu òchi

cup; let blood

òchì

palm wine tapper

di òchì

professional palm wine tapper

òchiche 1.

waiting; watching (-che 1. watch, wait)

òchiche 2.

offering (-che 2. present, offer)

òdì

taciturn person

òdiìnaàbò

midnight

òdìbò

servant

-gba òdìbò

serve (as a servant):

Agū nà-àgbalụ m òdìbò Agụ is working for me as my

servant

òdìdè

small stool; footstool

odō

wooden mortar for yam, etc.

aka odō

wooden pestle for yam pounding

nwa odō

pestle

odòdo

A. purple, crimson

B. man’s name

òdòdò

flower

òdogwu

champion; one of great prowess; hero; title for such a one;

male name:

Òdogwu kà ọ bù He is a hero

òdogwu nnùnù

kind of large bird

òdogwu òzàlà

(cf. akpì)

A. scorpion

B. (fig.) a tough powerful person

òdozi

repairer

òdozi òbòdò

A. one who takes care of a town or a community

B. the name of a chief notorious in Abakaliki for his

242

manipulation of a secret head-hunting cult. He was hanged in

1959 for the murder of several people

òdu

Kemp's Gerbil (Tateri kempi)

òdùdù

tsetse fly (they bite human beings and animals and suck their

blood)

òdùdù enyī

species of ….

òdùdù

(biggest species with most painful bite and highest capacity

for sucking blood)

òduduū

damp; cold(ness)

ofe, ọfe

"soup"; sauce; stew

ofe ēgwusi

melon soup

ofe Ìgbò

palm oil (= mmanụ akwū)

ofe nsala

watery kind of soup

ofe ōnugbù

soup prepared with bitter leaves

ofe Òwèlè

watery kind of soup very common among the Owere people

ofe ōnịnọ

soup prepared with ògbònò and okro

ofe ùtàzì

ùtàzì soup

ìtè ofē

soup pot

-te ofe

make soup, broth, stew, palmoil chop

-teghalị ofe

stir soup

ofe, ọfe 2.

(= aŋàlà, anyàlà) a kind of egg-plant with tiny fruits and

edible leaves

ofè, ọfè

A. far side of river or road

B. excess (i.e. passing the limits) (from -fè 2. cross)

òfe, òfe

free gift (Y. òfè)

n’òfe

freely; gratis; for nothing

òfegà, ofega

used in:

-kwu òfegà

talk in a flippant way

òfèkè, òfèkè

a rascal

òfelè, òfelè

ease:

Ọ dì òfelè It is easy

n’òfelè

easily

òfì 1.

yaws (cf. àkwùmà)

òfì 2.

see -ŋe òfì

òfifi

boil (-fi 3. develop a boil)

ofili

used in:

ofili isī

pillow

ofìlì

A. a weight for keeping a door shut

B. heavy club

òfu

one; the same; a certain; united; alone; lone:

Òfu nwokē bìàlù ebe à n’ùtụtù A certain man came here in

the morning:

Onye ezè afù gwàlù ndi yā kà fa ghàlụ ịnūsòzì ònwe fā ògù

243

màkà nà fâ bù òfu The chief pleaded with his subjects to stop

fighting each other, for they were one:

Òfu nnwā kà m bù I am the only child of my parents, or I am

an only child

òfu à

this same

òfu afù

that very thing

òfu chī

A. one god

B. (fig.) same character or behaviour (of human beings only,

to describe two persons with similar character):

Ọ bù òfu chī kèlù Okaàfò nà Nwoōsu Okaafọ and Nwoosu

behave the same way, or have the same idiosyncrasies

òfu efù

(one) at all (with verb in negative); not even one:

Ji noōne dì n’ọbā? Òfu efù adīrọ dị nà ya How many yams

are in the barn? Not even one is there

òfu jī

seed yam

òfu mgbè (= otū

once upon a time; at one time; once

mgbè)

òfu mkpụlū

only one

òfuù nụnwà

this same; this very thing

òfu obì

one heart; (fig.) unanimity, co-operation, agreement, unity

òfu ōfu

one by one; singly

òfu ogè

at one time; once upon a time; once

òfu onye

one person; a certain person:

Achòlù m òfu onyē I want one person

òfu ùgbòlò

once

n’òfu

together

n’òfu nje

at once; immediately; simultaneously

n’òfu n’òfu

each; one by one

n’òfu ntabì anyā

in the twinkling of an eye; instantaneously; immediately; in a

second

n’òfu ogè, n’òfu

at the same time; once upon a time

mgbè

-sò n’òfu

be of the same age

sò òfu

only one; one only

sò òfu akpō

once only; once for all

sò òfu nje

only once

sò òfu ùgbòlò

only once

-tinyekọ ọnū n’òfu

speak the same thing; be unanimous

ogè, ọgè

time, opportunity; time span (cf. mgbè)

ogē à

this time; at this time

ogē ìkpe āzụ

the last time; at last; finally

ogè ịwā ji

annual yam festival

ogē mbụ

at first; initially

244

ogē nā ogè

from time to time; now and then

ogè ǹcha

at all times; always (cf. ọgè niīne)

ogè niīne

always; at all times

ogē òbùnà

every time; any time

ogē ūfọdụ

sometimes; from time to time

-me n’ogè

be punctual; do something in good time

mkpụlụ ogè

a few moments

n’ogè

in time

nwa mkpìlìkpì ogè

a moment, minute, very short time

ògèdè, ògèdè

plantain, banana (Musa sapientum var. paradisiaca Linn.)

ògèdè oyìbo

pawpaw

-ghe ògèdè

fry plantains

ògenè

metal gong; iron clapperless bell

ògene mkpì naàbò

double gong, pieces usually joined to each other at the tail

-kụ ògenè

strike a metal gong

ogìdì

pillar; column

ògìgè

enclosure; garden; yard; compound; fence; hedge (-gè 2. fence

off)

-gba ògìgè

fence compound or farm

ògìlì

seed of a kind of pumpkin; ingredient used for flavouring

soups, made from ògìlì seeds

ògìli ūgba

castor-oil plant (Ricinus communis Linn.)

ògilìsì

sacred tree (P. Beauv.) Seeman ex Bureau), (Newbouldia

laevis much used as a live fence and commonly seen around

shrines, especially of Agwù. A white cloth is often tied round

its trunk as an offering. It is honoured as a divinity)

ogō 1.

height; maturity; full age

-lu ogō

be of age, mature enough to be able to do something:

Elū go m ogo ịnū nwaànyì I am already of marriageable age:

Ụmù akā ezi òmùme gà-ènyelụ nne nà nnà fa akā ogè fa

lùlù ogō Good children will help their parents when they are

of age

-to ogō

be tall

ogō 2.

platform of logs for sitting outdoors

ògo, ogò

namesake

ògò

farm (cf. ugbō, ubì)

ògòlì

(rare) wife; esp. first wife (when a person has more than one

wife) (cf. nwunyè)

òfọ ògòlì

a prodigal; spendthrift; womaniser

ogonogo

length, height (of persons, trees, but not buildings):

Ibè tòlù ogonogo Ibe is tall:

Egbùlù m agwọ tōlụ ogonogo n’ùtụtū à I killed a long snake

this morning

245

ogonogo ndù

long life

ogonogo ogè òne?

How long? (of time):

Ogonogo ogè òne kà ị gà-anò nà mmilī? How long are you

going to stay at the stream?

-so ogonogo

be tall, long

ogù

piece of wood used in taking oaths

-ji ogù

assert one's innocence:

Ejì m ogù I am innocent

ògùdù

used in:

ògùdu ànì

wine from felled palm-tree

ogùgù

stripped midrib of palm fronds

ògùgù

see ògwùgwù

ògùlù

yellow(ness)

ògùlù akwū

inferior palm-oil (yellow in colour)

ògùlu ògùlù

yellow

ịbā ògùlù

jaundice

ogùlùgù

rainbow

ogumogwū

thumb-piano (cf. ùbọ)

ogbe, ọgbe

sample; specimen

ogbè, ọgbè 1.

lump; piece; loaf; whole (of ball-like objects, e.g. bread, cake,

ụkwà, etc.):

Ọgò m nwokē wètààlù m ọgbē àchìchà naàbò ǹnyàafù, m

nyawaa ōfu ọgbè ìbùọ nye Ēke òfu mkpekele, wèlụ ōfu

ọgbē fōdụlụ debe n’ime akpàtì nnī My father-in-law brought

me two loaves of bread yesterday. I broke one loaf into two

and gave Eke one half, and kept the remaining loaf in the

food-box.

ogbè akwū

head of palm nuts

-bù ogbè

be big

ogbè, ọgbè 2.

'village', i.e. a residential unit smaller than one of the three

'quarters' (Ezi, Ìfìtè, and Ìkeǹgà) into which a 'town’ (òbòdò)

is divided, and larger than a lineage or 'family' (ụmù nnà)

Kèdu ogbè i bì?

Which quarter do you live in?

Ọgbē Ìjọ Ịjọ Quarters

Ọgbè ǹdìdà a village in Onitsha Inland town

ògbe, ògbe

one variety of "garden egg" or egg-plant (probably Solanum

incanum Linn.); cf. àfụfā, the general term for all varieties of

Solanum

ògbè 1.

quietly; softly

ògbè 2.

a small market

ògbè 3.

gourd used for carrying water

ògbè mmānya

calabash for wine

ogbènyà, ogbènyè

poverty; poor person; pauper; orphan

246

ogbènyè ọnụ ntū

very poor, destitute, person

-dà ogbènyè

be, become poor

nwa ogbènyè

orphan; destitute child

ogbī, ogbì

(deaf and) dumb person; dumbness:

Ogbī adīrọ èkwu okwū A dumb person never speaks

-dà ogbī

be dumb:

Ì dịrō àza m ajùjụ m nà-àjụ gī. Ì dàlù ogbì? You do not

answer my questions. Are you dumb?

ògbo

A. sponge; rolled fibre used in sponging the body during bath

B. loofah; creeper whose fibre is used for scouring (Luffa

aegyptiaca Mill.)

ògbò

namesake; age-mate (cf. agù)

-bụ ògbò

be namesake, age-mate:

Ndùbezè bù ògbò m Ndụbeze is my namesake

ògbòdì

(coll.) fool; ignoramus

ogbòlò

traditional seat in village square, consisting of pieces of wood

supported by forked sticks

ògbòmà

wizard; kind of male witch capable of travelling where it

wishes unseen by day. Fewer in number than the ordinary

witch, but capable of greater damage once offended (cf.

Yoruba ọsò)

ògbòǹdù

cannon

ògbu 1.

depth

ògbu mīli

deep water; the sea

ògbu ụlā

deep sleep

ògbu 2.

killer (-gbu kill)

Ògbu āgụ

title; holder of Ògbu āgụ title; male name (lit. leopard killer)

ògbu ānụ

animal-killer

Ògbuēfi

title; holder of

Ògbuēfi

title; used for non-title holders as mark of respect; master;

head chief; male name (lit. slayer of cattle):

Ògbu ēfi Nnànyèlùgò Onye ọ gà-àdịlị mmā Title for late Dr.

Nnamdì Azìkiwe

ògbu mmadù

murderer

ògbunamkpọ

disease of fowls

ògbùgbò

intervention; warding off (of need) (-gbò ward off)

oghē, ọghē

opening

-ghe oghē

be open:

Ụzò ghè oghē The door is open

oghēle, ọghēle,

opening; opportunity (cf. oghē; -ghe 1. be open):

oyēle

Ịbū onye ọlụ oyìbo nà-àgụ m, mà àka m nwerọ oghēle m

gà-èji bà ya bū ọlụ I have a desire to be a civil servant, but I

247

have not got the opportunity to enter the service:

Akpàtì m nwèlù oghēle n’òfu akùkù My box has an opening

on one side

oghele imī

nostril

oghū

play; fun

-kpọlị oghū

play

òghù

flying squirrel

oghùlù

tall tree with bole up to 3-4' in diameter (Hannoa klaineana

Pierre and Engl.). It is fast-growing; the wood is light and

white and used for planks, canoes, etc. Medicinally the back is

used for curing fevers (ịbà) by soaking pieces of it in water

for some days and drinking the water, and by other ways of

preparation

ogwè, ọgwè

A. trunk of tree

B. tree across pathway or stream, used as a bridge

-fè ogwè

cross a bridge

C. limb (as compared with a tree-trunk)

ogwè akā

arm

ogwè ụkwū

leg

ogwū

thorn

ogwu akā

whitlow

ogwū nà ọkìlìkà

A. hedge

B. (fig.) trouble; tribulation:

Òyị m nwokē Deviìd nò n’ogwū nà ọkìlìkà My friend David

is in great trouble

osisi ogwū

thorny tree

ogwùgwù

hole

Ògwùgwù, Ògùgù

a female spirit who gives or withholds husbands and children,

and helps men to achieve ambitions such as taking a title

nkwụ Ògwùgwù

palm-trees associated with ogwugwu

ogwùlùgwù

A. plentifulness; abundance

B. well-developed or -proportioned (of humans)

òhoò!

int.

Oho! (surprise)

ojì

iron bell-staff; ceremonial staff of dibìà

dibìà

which rings when struck on ground

òji

A. blackness

òji ōji

black; blackish

-ji òji

be dark, dark-coloured

Òji

B. Africans; Black race

Isi Ōji

Africa; Africans; Blace race

Ndi Isi Ōji

the Africans; the Black race

Òbòdò Isi Ōji

Africa

òjì

used in:

248

òjì ǹkù

freshwater flying fish; butterfly fish (Pantodon buchholzi) (=

nwaànyì akpù obì)

ojiī

black

ịbà ojiī

malaria; jaundice without yellow coloration of eyeballs and

fingernails

onye àfè ojiī

a policeman (woman)

ojō

kind of light wood used for canoe making (Cleistopholis

patens (Benth.) Engl. and Diels)

ụgbọ ojō

small canoe

òjò, èjò

general name for fish of the genus Distichodus

òjukwū

variety of oil-palm, which does not produce heavy crops of

nuts, but whose oil is bright red in colour and highly esteemed

oke 1.

male

nwokē

man (see separate entry

oke 2.

big size

oke ākpa

large broom (for outdoor sweeping) (= ǹzìzà)

oke àmàmife

great wisdom

oke anwū

intense sunshine

oke ārụ

A. serious sickness:

Ọ yàlù oke ārụ He was seriously sick

B. any serious misfortune

oke ēfifìè naàbò

noonday; midday

oke egō

fantastic riches

oke egwù

terror

oke ekwulèkwu

talkativeness; bragging

oke ìkùkù

tempest

oke mkpà

great need

oke mmādù

a man of great reputation

oke mmīli

heavy downpour of rain

okènyè, okènyà

see separate entry

oke ōlili

great pain

oke òrìmìlì nnū

ocean

oke ozū

great man

oke ōchịchọ

excessive desire; greed

oke ọfīa

thick bush; jungle

oke òkpà

cock

oke ọnū

A. of great price; costly; expensive; dear:

Agà m àzụtalụ nwūnyè m akwā dī oke ọnū ọ gà-èji wèlụ

gba Christmas na-abịa I am going to buy my wife costly

clothes for the celebration of next Christmas

B. precious:

Òbàla Kraìst dị oke ọnū àgbapùtago ānyị We have been

redeemed by Christ's precious blood:

249

Ọnā dī ichè ichè dị oke ọnū dì nà òbi èze ānyị There are

different previous metals in our king's court

C. big mouth (used to describe a talkative person):

Nwa òdìbò m nwèlù oke ọnū; ogè ǹcha nà ebe niīne kà ọ

nà-èkwu okwū My servant is a chatterbox; he talks all the

time and everywhere

D. great mouth (used to describe a person, usually a child,

who surpasses others in eating); gluttonous:

Nwatà afù nwèlù oke ọnū, o līsịgo nni e dèbèèlù ya nà ụmù

akā ībè ya sòọsò ya The child is a voracious eater, he has

eaten the food placed for him and other children all by himself

oke ọnụ afīa

(cf. oke ọnū A. and B.):

Agà m ejì ife dī oke ọnụ afīa wèlụ je kènee nnē m n’ogē

èzùmiike m na-abịa I am going to give my mother a precious

gift during my forthcoming leave

oke ọyà

great sickness; leprosy

oke ufèlè

great wind

oke ụbòsì

great day

-la oke mmānya

drink to excess; get drunk

okè, ọkè

mark; boundary; line of demarcation (from -kè 1. divide)

-bifè (okè)

live too long (in a place)

-fè okè

surpass; pass the bounds

-gafè okè

be in excess

-kpa okè

make boundary; move (objects) aside to show demarcation

òdùdù okè

a kind of plant used for fences and for marking land

boundaries

-wa okè

make a boundary; put a mark; demarcate

òke

rat

òkelekwū

rat, or any small animal

òke oyìbo

guinea-pig

òke ọfīa

bush rat

òke ụnò

house rat (Rattus rattus)

ntī ōke

wild waterleaf

òkè

portion; share; division (-kè 1. divide)

òkè naàbò

two parts

-kèlụ òkè

take a share

-kèta òkè

take (and bring back) a share:

Anà m èje na nzùkọ ụmù nnà ikètà òkè ùmù nnē m I am

going to the family meeting to bring back the share (of

something) of my brothers

-zù òkè, okè

be correct; suffice; be complete, perfect, sufficient

òkekele

a small high-pitched drum used with òkàǹgà

okēlụwà, okelùwà

fate

250

okènyè, okènyà

full-aged, elder, principal person; senior (person)

-me okènyè

be aged, elderly, old

oke ōbụgbō

type of lily

òkikē

ivory tusk (of elephant)

òkìkè

A. creation; (in Nri thought) one of the aspects of Chukwu,

manifested in the creation of things visible and invisible and

in the laws of nature (-kè create)

Chukwu Òkìkè

God the creator

B. elephant tusk owned by an ọzō man which symbolizes his

òkìkè

Ọnwa Òkìkè

tenth traditional month in the Nri calendar, in which the ọzō

men of each lineage gather their òkìkè in the lineage's temple

and offer a bloody sacrifice

okìlì 1.

guinea-corn

okìlì 2.

iron object with two prongs into which a charm can be

inserted and which is then pushed into ground (larger than

àbà)

òkìlìkili

round shape (circular, not spherical); surrounding parts:

òkìlìkili ụnò

round about the house: (fig.)

Òkìlìkilî bù ijè Agwù (Lit. cycle is the movement of Agwù),

i.e. Agwù moves in a cycle, or Agwù moves from one person

to another until appeased). Used by workers or performers,

e.g. doctors and actors, who run rounds of duty, to describe

the nature of their work. Also used by other people to describe

such people, or similar conditions which are rotative in nature

-dị òkìlìkili

be round:

Ùwà dì òkìlìkili The world is round

oko

A. head, ear (of corn, etc.)

oko ọkà

ear of corn (maize)

B. bunch (of plantains, bananas)

oko unèlè

bunch of bananas

òkò 1.

full strength; one's best or utmost

-nwà òkò

try one's best:

Anwàgo m òkò m I have done my best

-pù òkò

be able

òkò 2.

yam cultivar

okōkòòko

int.

exclamation of pain, grief, surprise

okokpòlò

A. bachelor

B. poor person (fig.)

okòlò

under; the underpart (of persons, between the thighs)

òkolo

boy; youth; young man; male name

òkolọbìà, òkolobìà,

(ìkolobìà is an old pl. form, but nowadays both ò- and ì- are

ìkolobìà

used indiscriminately for sg. or pl.) youth; young man

-gbà òkolobìà

become adolescent (of man)

251

ìkènye ìkolobìà

middle-aged men

isi okolobìà

men in the prime of life

-me òkolobìà

act as, be, a young man

nwa ōkolọbìà

youth; adolescent boy

òtù ụmù òkoloọbìà

young men’s society

nwa ōkolo,

A. lad; boy; young man

nwoōkolo

B. male name

okòm

yam cultivar

okonko

empty container

òkoòko

parrot (cf. icheǹkù or ichoòkù)

òkòso, kòso

A. small snail-shell used for playing tops; also a metal type

made by blacksmiths

B. the game itself (cf. Yoruba ìkòto)

okoti

used in:

okoti ākpo

male lizard

òkù

a call, shout; invitation; feast; festival:

Bìa sòlu m jèe òkù nà Ǹneēwi Accompany me to a feast at

Nnewi

iche òkù

parrot

ji òkù

a variety of Yellow Guinea Yam (cf. ji òyìbò)

-kpọ òkù

call

òkpọ nà-àkpọ òkù

echo

òkǔ jī

Yam festival (no longer celebrated)

-rì òkù

shout for; call loudly

-za òkù

answer a call

okuko

skin of a fruit, used by dibìà

okuko ākwa

eggshell

òkukū

horn-shaped calabash used for cupping and divining: (fig.)

Etīnyezina ọnū n’ime ōkukū wèlụ èkwu okwū Stop

speaking behind someone's back (lit. Stop putting your mouth

into a small calabash while you talk)

okùokwè

yam cultivar

òkutā, òkutē

see òkwutē

òkùtà

officers and leading members of a divinity's club or cult

okpēnsi

see okpōsi

okpēsi

see okpōsi

okpètè, ọkpètè,

sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum Linn.)

okpòtò, ekpètè

okpòtò gbaǹgà

ginger lily (Costus afer Ker-Gawl. and/or C. schlecteri

Winkler)

okpì

stoutness, sturdiness (e.g. of tree, not of person)

okpì nkū

hard wood

252

òkpò 1.

intestinal worm

okoòkpò

(from oke òkpò) tapeworm

òkpò 2.

kind of large tree, white wood, very small leaves

okpodi

male agama lizard (cf. ǹgwèlè)

òkpokō 1.

large bird, plantain-eater

òkpokō 2.

large morsel of pounded food

òkpokō ụtàlà

large morsel of fufu

-ma òkpokō

mould large morsel of pounded food:

Mànye yā òkpokō Mould him a large piece of pounded food

okpokolo

empty (container)

okpokolo isī

A. skull; cranium

B. (fig.) empty-headedness, foolishness

okpòkolo

can; small pot used for keeping oil, etc.

okpòkpò

walking stick

okpolo

highway; street; road (esp. in town; more specific than ụzò in

referring to a large road or highway)

okpolo īlo

road, street (esp. in town):

Pùta n’okpolo īlo Leave the road

okpolo ụzò

roadway; public path (less specific than okpolo īlo)

okpòlò +

stalk; rod; stem

okpòlò igwè

rod of iron

okpòlò osisi

rod of wood; stalk of plant; stem of young tree of sapling

òkpòlòfifìè

whistle; whistling

-gbu òkpòlòfifìè

whistle:

Gbùelụ m òkpòlòfifìè ogē ōbụnà ị nà-àgafè Whistle to me

whenever you are passing

okpòlokō 1.

stockfish = azù nkū

okpòlokō 2.

variety of oil-palm which produces nuts of very fine

appearance, but which have not much flesh, the kernel being

large in proportion

òkpòmọkụ

heat (from: -kpò ọkụ be hot)

Ànị Òkpòmọkụ the Tropics (lit. hot land):

Ndi bī n’ànị òkpòmọkụ nà-àdị galagala People in the

tropics are brisk and active

-kpò òkpòmọkụ

be hot:

Àfe ǹkaà nà-ekpō òkpòmọkụ This garment absorbs heat

òkpòntụ

grey

òkpoǹzàla

plant with edible fruit (Aframomum daniellii (Hook. f.) K.

Schum.)

òkpoòdùdù

kind of bean that provokes thirst

òkpoòfùfù

perspiration

-gba òkpoòfùfù

A. perspire

B. labour over; take pains over; sweat over

253

-kpò òkpoòfùfù

perspire; cause perspiration

okpōsi, okpēsi,

simple, faceless image carved (usually from ògilìsì) to

okpōnsi, okpēnsi

represent a dead ancestor after his final funeral rites; they are

usually dumb-bell shaped, except that those for married

daughters are cylindrical; all the family okpōsi are kept

together and offered food or libations from time to time while

the protection of the ancestors is solicited

okpòtò

see okpètè

okpotokpo

big size (of persons, fruits)

okpotokpo mmādù

huge person; person of big build:

Ụmū Okeēke ànaàgbaka okpotokpo Mr Okeeke's children

are usually big for their age and of sturdy build:

Q. Kèdụ ūdị àgwà ị chòlù kà m zụtalụ gī, ọ bù ndị gbālụ

okpotokpo kòọ ndị gbālụ kịlịkịlị? What kind of beans do

you want me to buy for you from the market, the big type or

the small type?

A. Zùtalụ m ndị gbālụ okpotokpo Buy me the big type

òkpu

hat; cap; head covering

òkpu ezè

crown

-kpù òkpu

put on, wear hat, cap

-kpù òkpu ezè

wear crown

-kpù òkpu ogwū

wear crown of thorns

-kpupù òkpu

remove hat, cap, etc.

òkpùkpù

A. storey, floor (of a house); roofing

òkpùkpu īkwu

ridging of a house:

Òkpùkpu īkwû bù ọlụ sīli ike Ridging a house is hard work

B. set, group; stack (from -kpù 1. cover)

òkpùkpù naàbò

double stack:

Ị gà-èdo jī òkpùkpù naàbò n’ime ọbā You will place the

yams in two stacks inside the barn

okpulu

kind of stiff bag made by Hausas for packing clothes, etc.

òkpulù

under; beneath; the underpart; bottom:

Ọ nò n’òkpulù m He is junior to me (lit. He is under me).

(fig.) the real thing; the inside story:

Gwa m òkpulù okwū Tell me what really happened. (fig.)

secret:

Àdịrō m èkwu okwu ōkpulù I do not talk in secret

òkpùlù

poor, pitiable, person or object; term of commiseration:

Èkeèmezie adī ènyeju ụmù ya afō, nwoòkpùlù, ò nwerō

onye ēnyemaka Ekeemezie no longer feeds his children

properly, poor man, he has no helper

okpulukpu

shell (like that of the tortoise)

okpulukpu mbè

tortoise shell

okpùlùkpù

kind of instrument

254

okpùlùkpu òkwè

stringed instrument

òkwè 1.

A. kind of tree (Ricinodendron heudelotii (Baill.) Pierre ex

Pax), sometimes sacred when grown at shrines, with long

stalk and broad leaves, used as livestock food

-chị òkwè

pay divine homage to òkwè (hence village name, Isi òkwè)

B. the seeds of the tree, used in divining

-chị òkwè

divine, with beads, nuts

C. a game played with the seeds on a board with twelve

partitions; "warri" (= Yoruba áyò)

òkwè 2.

bean which grows in a pod, red, brown or white in colour and

used mainly in eating shredded cassave. Òkwè when properly

boiled is mashed thoroughly with shredded cassava by hand,

with other normal cooking ingredients - pepper, oil and salt -

added

òkwè oyìbo

horse-radish tree (Moringa oleifera Lam.)

òkwo

a general name for fish of the Polypteridae family

òkwo igwè

Polypterus senegalus (= ùkata)

òkwo àfòyì

Polypterus ansorgei, P. endlicheri, Calamoichthys

calabaricus (= ùkata)

òkwòli

kingfisher

okwu 1.

word; speech; affair; matter; dispute; quarrel:

Bikō rapū m aka màkà nà okwu adīrọ n’ètitì mụ nà gị!

Please leave me alone, since there is no quarrel between us

okwu alū

blasphemy; abominable word

okwu āsị

lie

Okwu Chūkwu Word of God; the Gospel; sermon

okwu īnyo

foolish talk

okwu mkpalị

insulting word(s)

okwu nà ụkà

trouble; quarrel

okwu ọlà

(fig.) stale, old quarrel

amà okwū

verse

ànì okwū

most important part of the story

-chọ okwu

provoke, seek, a quarrel

ezi okwū

true word, saying; truth

n’ezi okwū

really; in reality; indeed; truly:

Ezi okwū bù ndù Truth is life:

Ọ bụlụ nà i kwūe ezi okwū agà m àgbaghàlụ gī If you speak

the truth I will forgive you

-gbabu okwu

speak all together; jumble words together

-gbagha okwu

contradict; argue

isi okwū

meaning of the word

-kè okwu

give judgement; settle a palaver

-kò okwu

(fig.) cause trouble; invite quarrel, dispute (usually

255

deliberately); assault

-kwu ezi okwū

speak the truth

-kwu okwu alū

speak abominable word(s)

-kwu okwu āsị

speak falsehood

-kwu okwu āzụ

slander, back-bite

-kwu okwu ūgha

speak falsehood

-naghà okwu

interrupt

-napùta okwu

force someone to speak out

-nụ okwu

hear; obey

òkà okwū

A. orator

B. eloquence

ọkpùlùkpù okwū

very important discussion

-sè okwu

quarrel:

Di nà nwunyè afù nà-esè okwū The husband and wife are

quarrelling

okwu, ọkwụ 2.

cover; lid; stopper; cork (from -kwu 2. cover)

òkwu

Basically refers to 'home'; specific uses are:

A. a small house with a steep thatched roof and a single door,

used as a sleeping house in mosquito-infested areas and as a

storehouse

B. shed for domestic animals

C. nest for ants:

Arụrụ èrika n’ebe à. Bìa kà ị fụ òkwu fā There are many

ants here. Come and see their nest

D. shrine

òkwu alūsị

shrine of a spirit

òkwu Ànì

communal shrine for the Earth Goddess

okwuchi, ọkwụchi

cork; stopper; lid (cf. okwu 2.)

òkwùdùkwudū,

owl (= okwumkwudo)

òkwukwuū

òkwukwe

agreement; assent; obedience (from -kwe 1. agree)

òkwùkwè

creed; faith (-kwe 1. agree)

òkwùkwe Ndi Ozī

The Apostles' Creed

òkwukwuū

see òkwùdukwudù

òkwùlù

womb (cf. àkpà nnwā)

òkwùma

a kind of native ointment; shea-butter

okwumkwudo

A. (arch.) owl:

Òkwùdùkwudū sì nà afà ya bù okwumkwudo, mà azì nà-

àkpọ yā òkwùdùkwudū The owl says that his name is

'okwumkwudo', but young people call him 'òkwùdùkwudū'

B. (fig.) advance warning (as the owl warns by hooting):

Okwu à bù okwumkwudo This is an advance warning

òkwutē, òkutā,

rock; stone (cf. Yoruba òkuta, Ẹdo (Bini) òkutá)

256

òkutē

òkwute anwūlù

stone for grinding snuff

òkwutē ùwà tụùwà

Rock of Ages (ref. to Bible)

aks ōkwutē

stone for grinding corn

obī okwutē

stony-hearted

oli

food made from maize

òli

one who eats (-li 1. eat)

òli àkù

(beloved) wife (lit. devourer of wealth):

Ndùbụezè nà òliàkù ya nà-àbịa Ndụbụeze and his wife are

coming

òli mmādù

cannibal

òli ǹzèlè

chief; titled man

olìghìlì

see èlùlù

òlili

meal; feast

-li òlili

have a feast

òlilo

pain

oke ōlilo

great pain

Òlìsà

The Great God

Òlìsà ebùlu ùwà God who supports the world

Òlìsà elòka God thought deeply (male name)

Òlìsà èmeka God has done a lot (male name)

Nwolìsà the son of God (male name)

òlìsìlì

used in:

òlìsìlì ọkù

treasure

òlokō

praying mantis

òlòkòmbụbā

see ùlùkòmbụbā

ololo

bottle (cf. onono, the typical Onitsha form)

òlòma

orange (Citrus aurantium Linn.)

òlòma nkịlịsị

lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle)

òlòma oyìbo

grapefruit

olòngōno

A. praying mantis

B. (fig.) very slim person

Olu

"people that live by the water", term used to denote those who

live by the bank of the River Niger

ndi olū

"men of the waterside", those who live by the bank of the

River Niger

òlu

used in:

òlu ụlā

A. doze

(òlu ụlā) -tụ

slumber; doze

B. sleeping sickness; trypasonomiasis

olubulu

kind of lizard, brightly coloured;? Bosc's Monitor (but only

about 1' long without tail)

òluku

cotton (plant)

257

Olumbànasā

group of seven villages in Anambra Division which speak

Igala as their first language

om!

int.

salutation of respect to an old woman (esp. a pagan)

ome

shoot of a plant

-gba ome

send out shoot when not yet planted

-ke ome jī

break off premature yam shoots

òme +

used in:

òme ākwụ

respectful form of address to women

òme ǹkà

carpenter; artisan; craftsman

òmenàànì

custom (cf. òdìbendi)

òmìmì

depth; (fig.) mystery

-kpọ òmìmì

dive

-mì òmìmì

dive

-tụ òmìmì

dive

òmùme

action; act; conduct; doing

ezi òmùme

good deeds; righteousness

òne? 1.

int.

how much? how many? which?

òne mbòsì?

which day?

òne mgbè?

when? at what time?

òne ndị

who (plural)? which people?

ùgbòlò òne?

how often? how many times?:

Gwa m ugbòlò òne i jègòlu ebe afù Tell me the number of

times you have been to that place

ònenòne, ònemòne

few; some:

Ọ bù mmadù ònemòne kà m chòlù kà fa sòlụ m jee kène

ezē chīlụ ọfụū It is only a few people that I want to go with

me to greet the newly-installed chief

onì

bigger stake for yam

ònìinu

a fish (Labeo senegalensis)

ònìnì

burial (from -nì bury)

ònogbò, onogbò

cat (cf. Yoruba ològbò, Edo (Bini) òlògbò)

nwa ōnogbò

cat

ònòlì

title for a red-cap chief

onono, ololo

bottle

Ònoòwu

chief next in rank to the king of Ònìchà (and certain other

towns), conveniently translated 'Prime Minister', who places

the cap on the head of a titled man

onu

A. neck

akpù onū

goitre

-dinàji onu

strain or crick the neck while sleeping

ife onū

necklace

B. (human) voice:

Onu m nà-àtọ ūtọ My voice is melodious:

258

Anùlù m onu nnà m I hear the voice of my father:

Bikō nùlụ onū m: Please hear me:

Ndi egwu ụmù àgbọghò àbịago, bìa nùlụ onū fa The lady

singers have arrived, come and hear them:

Chukwu nùlụ onu ụmù gị God, hear the pleading of Thy

children (or, prayer of thy children)

onu ànì

low tones:

Fa nà-àgụ egwu n’onu ànì They were singing in low tones

ònugbù

bitterleaf (Vernonia amygdalina Del. and V. colorata (Willd.)

Drake)

ofe ōnugbù

soup prepared with bitterleaf

ònuno

devouring; swallowing (-no swallow)

onùnù

hole; pit

-kpochi onùnù

fill hole

ònwe

self

ònwe āyị

ourselves

ònwe fā

themselves

ònwe ī, ònwe gī

yourself

ònwe m̄

myself

ònwe ụnù

yourself

ònwe yā

himself; herself; itself

amā onwe

senselessness; unconsciousness

-gbatì ònwe

stretch oneself (e.g. for exercise)

-lụ onwē ụkà

be disciplined, self-controlled

ngị nà ònwe gī

you yourself

-nwe ònwe

be free

onwène

carpenter; craftsman; artist

ònwu

anything that shines

ònwu màlàmàlà

flashing

ònwùnwò

change

ònwunwu

cleanness; brightness; shining

onye

A. person (human or superhuman; its plural is ndị)

onye àbọō, àbùọ

another, a second (person)

onye àfè ojiī

a policeman (-woman)

onye afīa

merchant; customer; trader:

Jèe nàtalụ m azù ego naàbò n’aka onye afīa m Go and get

me twenty kobo's worth of fish from my merchant

onye àgbàtà obì

neighbour:

Àzụùkà bù onye àgbàtà obì m Azụụka is my neighbour

onye aghā, ayā

soldier; warrior

onye āghala, āyala

wild person; careless person

onye aka ebē

a witness, surety:

Onye ikpē afù gwàlù mmadù naàbò kà fa jee kpọta ndi

259

aka ebē fa The judge asked the two persons to go and bring

their witnesses

onye alā

mad person

onye àmà

talebearer; gossip; informer

onye ànì

fellow-countryman

onye ànị mmadù

foreigner; stranger

onye āsị

a liar

onye ìbèriìbè

fool; harmless idiot

onye ijè

traveller

onye ikpē

judge

onye ìkpè

backbiter

onye ilō

enemy; person bearing malice towards one

onye isī

head; headman; leader; boss

onye ìsì

a blind person

onye isi ikē

stubborn person; person who is habitually disobedient (lit.

hard-headed person)

onye ìkòlịìkò

melancholy or slightly mad person

onye ịtà

a witness

onye mmùta

scholar; pupil

onye nā-efe ọlū

superintendent; overseer; foreman

onye nche

watchman; guard

onye ndu

leader; guide

onye nga

prisoner

onye ngàla

proud person

onye ngana

lazy person

onye njọ, onye njō

sinner; niggardly person

onye ǹkà

craftsman; skilled workman; artist; sculptor; designer

onye ǹkè

relation; supporter:

Ọ bụlụ nà onye ǹke ōnye enyērọlụ ya aka, ò bùzì ònyê dì

ịtūkwàsì obì? If one's relation (supporter) does not help one,

who else is worthy of trust?

onye nkèta

inheritor (lit. sharer)

onye nkū

wood-cutter or gatherer

onye nkụzi

teacher:

Abù m onye nkụzi I am a teacher

onye nkụzi ụkà

church teacher; catechist; person who assists the clergyman or

catechist in the Ministry

onye nligbu

rogue; exploiter; cheat

onye ǹnà

miser

onye nnapùga

Redeemer (cf. onye nzọpùta)

onye nnụsō ògù

an enemy

onye nsògbu

troublesome person

onye nsọkwù

fool

260

onye ntā

hunter

onye ntụ

A. liar

B. imposter

onye ntụkwàsị obì

person being trusted

onye nzinye

creditor

onye nzọpùta

Saviour

onye nzuzù

fool

Onye nwē

Lord; master; mistress; owner

onye ogbì, ogbī

dumb person

onye ōji

a black person

onye òkìkè

creator

onye orī

thief

onye ōsiālị

witness:

Jèe kpòta onye ōsiālị gị Go and bring your witness

onye oshī

see onye orī

onye òtù

companion; fellow; member (of a club, association, etc.):

Abù m onye òtu Ògàniru I am a member of the Ògàniru

society

onye òtù Chukwu

Christian

onye òtuū Kraìst

Christian

onye ozī

messenger

onye ōzizi

instructor; teacher

onye ọbìà, onye òrà

stranger; visitor

onye òbò

(colloq.) lazy person; sluggard

onye ōbụnà, òbùnà

anybody; anyone; (with negative verb) no one

onye ọcha

a white person

onye ọlū

workman; labourer

onye ọzō

holder of ọzọ title

onye ōzọ

another person, person who is not a relative; outsider

onye ụgwō

debtor

onye ụjō

coward; person who cannot endure pain

Onye Ụkà

Christian

onye ụkò

intermediary

onye ùkpò

one of retarded development

onye ụtā

archer

onye ùtà

deceiver; enticer

B. seller, dealer (preceding name of article dealt in)

onye anū

meat-seller (-dealer)

onye mmānụ

oil-seller

onye mmānya

A. (palm-) wine seller

B. carefree person

òkpu onye

a schoolboy's cap worn sideways (by carefree person)

mmānya

261

C. habitual drunkard

ònye

int.

who?

Ònyê mà echi? Who knows tomorrow?

ònyènyè

woman (cf. nwaànyì)

ònyìnye

gift; (catholic usage) offertory

ònyìnyò

shadow

ife ònyìnyò

image; likeness; resemblance

òòbò

heap (shortened form of òbùbò)

òòbò ifē

heap of something

òòbò ọkū, òbùbò

furnace, heap of coal, charcoal, etc.; fire

ọkū

-tụ òòbò

pile; heap up

òpì

animal horn; horn, pipe, used as musical instrument

òpi àchàlà

Peugeot 404 (so called because of streamlined shape; lit. horn

of bamboo)

òpì ụgbògùlù

pumpkin leaf stalk (tube-like) (lit: pumpkin tube)

-gbu òpì

blow horn, bugle

opòpò

sapling (also opòpò osisi) (= ìpopo)

opotò, obotò

used in:

opotò, obotò ọkū

burning coal; embers; heap of glowing charcoal (= òbùbò

ọkū)

òpùnè

soft spot (of a thing like a covered pit, the top of which is

however still so soft that it can give way if the top is pressed

hard or stepped upon)

òpùnè isī

anterior fontanelle

òpùnè isi āzụ

posterior fontanelle

orī

theft

ori ifelē

shameful theft

ife orī

stolen goods

onye orī

thief

òrì

see -ŋe òfì, òrì

òrìmìlì

river (large); sea; ocean

òrìmìlì nnū

sea; ocean

oke òrìmìlì

sea; ocean

oru

twenty; score

oru ìbùa

forty; two score

262

oru nà òfu

twenty-one

oru nà àbùa

twenty-two

bèlị ōfu n’oru

nineteen (lit., remove one from twenty)

orù

slave

-gba orù

work as slave:

N'ogè kịtāà madù adā àgbazịlị ibè ya orù Nowadays no one

works as a slave for another

-gbapù n’orù

redeem from slavery, servitude

ndi orù

slaves

-pù n’orù

be free from slavery

ose 1.

waterside

ose àkwà

waterside at Ihīàlà

ose ngwò

raphia palm wine tapped from palms at the river or stream

bank

ose ogbē Ījọ

waterside where the Ịjọ reside

ose òkwòọdū

bank of River Niger

ose 2.

foreleg, forequarter, shoulder of animal carcase

ose anū

see ose

osè

pepper

osè agwō

weak alligator pepper

osē ànì

kind of uncooked soup, made of fried groundnuts or egusi,

ìsha (crayfish), and pounded yam

osè nwamkpi

goat pepper, used by children to play cooking

osè oyìbo

large pepper (lit. English pepper)

osè ọjī

alligator pepper (Aframọmum melegueta K. Schum.) (lit. kola

pepper; usually chewed with kola)

-kwọ osè

grind pepper

ǹkwọ òsè

pepper-grinder (stone, machine, etc.)

mkpụlụ osè

seed of pepper

-zọ osè

transplant pepper

òsè

A. puller; drawer

B. epilepsy; convulsions; meningitis (loosely used for various

diseases with convulsive attacks) (from -sè 1. pull)

òsèkpaàkpaà,

epilepsy

òsèkpaàkpaà

òseāka

vagabond; prodigal; spendthrift; ne’er-do-well

nwa òseāka

prodigal son

Òsebùlu-ùwà

The Great God

òsèkè

native spade

osi

tree (when followed by name of the tree; cf. osisi) e.g. osi

ụkwà African Breadfruit (Treculia africana Decne.) tree

òsịālị

witness (-sị àlị witness)

-gba òsịālị

bear witness

263

onye ōsiālị

a witness

osiamā

anvil

òsikapa

rice

osisi 1.

tree, stick

osisi anyikē

wooden handle of axe

akwụkwọ osisi

leaf of tree

anaka osisi

branch of tree

àtùtù osisi

sap of tree

-bù osisi

uproot tree

-gha mkpụlụ osisi

sow seeds (broadcast)

ibe osisi

part of tree (split from the main body)

-lùdo osisi

stick a stick into the ground

mkpìlìsì osisi

stump of tree

mkpụlụ osisi

fruit

mmili osisi

sap

oke osisi

(fig.) great person (lit. great tree)

okpòlò osisi

rod of wood; stalk of plant; stem of young tree or sapling

opòpò, ìpopo osisi

sapling

ukwù osisi

stump of tree

ùmì osisi

(sweet) juice of fruit

ùtụ osisi

sawdust, powder from dry wood as a result of grub activity

inside the wood

-zọ osisi

transplant tree; plant tree cuttings

osisi 2.

shea butter tree (Vitellaria paradoxa)

òsìmìlì, òsìmìrì

river (usually refers to Niger)

osòmà, osòmè

affliction; distress; great trouble (e.g. court cases); danger;

evil

òsu

person dedicated as slave to service of a deity, or whose

ancestors were so dedicated; thus the son of an òsu is an òsu.

Moreover anyone who is proved to have had contact with an

òsu also becomes an òsu

-gbana n’òsu

seek refuge with a deity

ndi ōsu

outcasts; people owned by deities

òti

knocker; beater (-ti 1. beat)

òti īsi

headache (lit. head-knocker)

òtimkpọkọ

old, worn vehicle, etc.; beat-up object (-ti kpọkọ beat noisily)

òtitè

the greatest feast, held at the end of the harvesting of 'tuber'

yams

òtòbò

hippopotamus

otogbō

A. any long gown, robe (e.g. surplice)

B. (fig.) any greatly oversized piece of clothing

otoko

thigh

òtòlò

dysentery; diarrhoea

264

(òtòlò) -gbagbu die of dysentery, diarrhoea:

Òtòlò gbàbue gī May you be killed by dysentery

òtòtò

flower

otu

waterside; riverbank

Otu ìkwọ

Onitsha main market

otu òkwòọdū

waterside of Onitsha

Otu Ònìchà

Onitsha market, hence town

otù 1.

large size:

Nnwa à dì otù This is a big baby

otù nnī

big lump of food

otù nnwā

heavily-built person

otù 2.

one (cf. òfu, the more typical Onitsha form)

òtù

organised band, company, club

òtù egwū

dancing club:

Abù m onye òtù egwu ọjà I am a member of the egwu ọjà

club

òtuū Kraìst

Christianity

onye òtuū Kraìst

a Christian:

Ndùbeezè bù ezigbo onye òtuū Kraìst Ndùbeeze is a good

devoted Christian

ndị òtuū Kraìst

the Christians

òtù ndị nkụzi

teachers' association:

Abù m onye òtù ndị nkụzi I am a member of the teachers'

association

òtu ōgbọ

age group, grade

òtù ụmù òkolọbìà

young men’s society

-rò òtù

discriminate; choose group, society, club

otùbò

navel; umbilicus

otùgolu

ladder (cf. obē)

òtùnè

A. buttocks

B. anus

òtùtò, òtùto

praise; glory (-tò praise):

Òtùto dìlị Chinēkè na-ebe kāchasị enū Glory be to God in

the highest:

Tòo Chukwu Praise God

abù òtùto

songs of praise

otùtù 1.

blacksmith's hammer (the biggest of all the blacksmith's

hammers). This tool is ceremonially the most important item

for an apprentice who has just completed his period of

apprenticeship and is going to set up as a master blacksmith,

in that it is symbolic of his master's status. On the day of the

celebration of his freedom, which features much feasting, the

otùtù is set on a stool in the middle of the gathering of master

265

smiths who were invited to the occasion. Shortly before the

celebration is over the young master is called to the middle.

The master holds out the otùtù towards the young master as

one who is handing to another a staff of office. The master

recites some blessings and incantations, at the end of which he

hands the otùtù to the young master. An apprentice who has

completed his course but who has not completed his

obligations (usually monetary) is not given the otùtù and his

freedom is not celebrated. The apprentice can leave his master

for some period in search of money. He sometimes has to

secure a temporary job, like farm labour, to get the required

money, both for his training fees and for the celebration

expenses. He then comes back to do the freedom celebration.

To every master smith the otùtù is the most important item in

his tools, for though it is rarely used because of its weight, the

blacksmith, particularly the non-Christian one, kills cocks on

top of his otùtù from time to time and on special occasions,

letting the blood pour over the otùtù. Afterwards some down

is scattered on top of the wet blood, which sticks it firmly to

the otùtù

otùtù 2.

conical basket for fishing

òtutu

intoxication

Òwèlè, Òwèrè

Owerri:

Achòlù m ijē Òwèrè I want to go to Owerri

òwèlè, òwèlè

A. outskirts of a town; bush around a town

B. backyard immediately beyond the compound wall

ụzō òwèlè

path to the back of the compound or outskirts of town

òwu, òwulù

cotton; cotton wool, plant, thread

òwu akpū

kapok from akpụ tree

òwu īduù

physic nut (Jatropha curcas Linn.) used for hedging; the sap

stains indelibly, seeds are purgative

òwu isī

black cotton thread used by women for plaiting the hair

òwu ọkū, ukpē

wick

-gba òwu

thread

-tụ òwu

spin; make thread

owùmaàgànà

chameleon

Oyè, Olìè

an Ìgbò market day, following Èke, personified as an alūsị

oyī 1.

cold; chill; fever:

Oyī nà-àtụ It is cold:

Ọfịa dī n’àzụ ụnò akwụkwọ āyị nà-àtụ oyī The bush at the

back of our school is cold (causes cold):

Enwèlù m oyī I have fever

Oyī jì m Fever has gripped me, or I am feverish (more acute

than Enwèlù m oyī)

266

oyi ụgùlù

harmattan cold

ajō oyi

rheumatism

akwà oyī

blanket

-jụ oyī

be cold:

Kùtelụ m mmili jūlụ oyī Bring me cold water

mmili oyī

cold water:

Kùtelụ m mmili oyī Bring me cold water

(oyī) -tụ

feel cold, chilly:

Oyī nà-àtụ m I am feeling cold, chill.

ǹtùmoyī

cold; cold weather

oyī 2.

ugly, nauseating appearance

-sọ oyī

disgust; be ugly to; be ugly (e.g. faeces or jagged ulcer)

-yi oyī

be ugly, nauseating:

Abụ afū tāsalụ n’ànì ụnò nà-èyi m oyī The pus which has

poured on the floor is ugly to me

oyìbo

white person; European; foreign (added to name of anything

to denote that the thing is foreign or European in origin, or

when something of a different species (usually better), but of

foreign origin, exists side by side with the local species)

afà oyìbo

English name

akụ oyìbo = akụ

(lit. European kernel) coconut

bèkeè

ego oyìbo

(lit. European money) name given to the present currency

when it existed side by side with cowrie currency

ji òyìbò, òyìbe

Yellow Guinea Yam (Dioscorea cayenensis)

mmanya oyìbo

gin; imported wine or spirits

nzu oyìbo

chalk; lime

ògèdè oyìbo

pawpaw

òke oyìbo

guinea-pig

òlòma oyìbo

grapefruit

osè oyìbo

large pepper

òkụkò oyìbo

fowls kept by agricultural settlements and institutions. It is

called European because it was introduced by the Agricultural

Department and is also larger than the local type

ọkwụlụ oyìbo

pawpaw; papaya

Ọlụ Oyìbo

civil service

ùbe oyìbo

pear

ùde oyìbo

factory-prepared pomade

ụgbọ oyìbo

steamer

ùwà ndi oyìbo

luxurious pleasure-loving way of life or living; extravagant

life (lit. the world of white people)

òyòoyò

beautiful:

Ọ nùtàlù òyòoyò nwaànyì He married a very beautiful

267

woman

òze, òze

lead

òzè

kind of fruit-bearing tree

ozi

message; errand; housework

Ozi ọma the Gospel; good news, message:

Ozi ọma dịkà Luùk dèlù yà n’akwụkwọ The Gospel

according to Saint Luke

-gbasà Ozi ọma

spread the Gospel

-je ozi

go on a message; serve; do housework

ndị ozī

messengers; the Apostles:

Ọlụ Ndị Ozī The Acts of the Apostles

onye ozī

messenger

-ra ozi

send on errand

-zì ozi

send, deliver a message:

Achòlù m izì gì ozi I want to send you on an errand, or I want

to deliver a message to you:

Jèbenù ebe niīne izīsà Ozi Ọma Go everywhere to spread

the Gospel

òzì

kind of drum played only for kings and chiefs on special

occasions

òzìgbo

quickly; immediately; straight away; instantly:

Mèe yā òzìgbo Do it immediately:

Ọ gà-àrapū gī òzìgbo It (he/she) will leave you immediately:

Ọ mèlù yà òzìgbo fù He has just quickly done it

òzìgbo òzìgbo!

for emphasis the word can be repeated, meaning immediately,

instantly

ozu

corpse; whole carcase; (fig.) worthless, good-for-nothing

person:

Ozu kà ị bù You are a worthless, hopeless person

ozu efī

carcase of cow

akpàtì ozū

coffin

-bọ ozu

exhume a body

inì ozū

cemetery; burial ground; burial place

-nì ozu

bury corpse

-kwa ozu

perform a funeral

oke ozū

great man

268

Ọ

ọ, o

pron.

(dependent, 3rd pers. sg.; harmonizes with following verb) he;

she; it:

Ò bịago? Has he/she/it come?

O jèlù afịa He/she has gone to market

o mēekwe m (= o

I cannot

mā ekwe m)

o mekwa

afterwards

o mèkwa

or else; otherwise; if not; failing this

o mèzì

or else; otherwise; if not; failing this

o nwee

if; suppose; supposing that

ọ bụlụgodu

if; even if; though

ọ bụlụzịa

if it happens; if it later happens that...

ò bụnā, ò bụnāda,

if; even; even if:

ò bụnādụ

Bikō nye m nwantịntị egō ò bụnāda (ò bụnādụ) kọbò

Please give me some money, even a kobo

ò bụràba

even; even if; although; be it:

Nnwa nà-àgụ m ò bụràba nwaànyì I want a child, even a

girl

-ọ

see -a

ọbā 1.

place where yams are stacked and stored; barn:

Jèe wètalụ m ji naàbò n’ọbā Go and bring me two yams

from the barn

-gu ọbā

make a barn of yams

-ke ọbā

bind yams

ọbā 2.

(colloq.) king; chief; used for the king of Benin; title

ọbà

calabash

Òbà

A. name of a town

B. (colloq.) palm wine (prob. in origin from town name, since

Òbà is a centre for palm and raphia wine)

òbàgwù

see òbògwù

ọbàlà

bark of ọfòlò or ọtōsị

òbàlà

blood

afọ òbàlà

dysentery

òbàla òbàlà

red, reddish:

Anya gī nà-àcha òbàla òbàlà Your eye is red

-gba òbàlà

bleed; shed blood:

Aka m nà-àgba òbàlà My hand is bleeding

òbàlàkeèt

blanket (E.)

òbàǹte

pants; underwear

ọbē, ọbelē

see obē, obelē

269

ọbìà

entertainment:

Kà m nue yā ọbìà Let me entertain him

-ne ọbìà, -nu ọbìà

offer entertainment:

Anà m ène ụmùakā bīalụ nà be m ọbìà I am entertaining the

children who came to my house

onye ọbìà

(often shortened to ọbìà) stranger; guest; visitor (= onye òrà):

Abù m ọbìà n’ebe à I am a stranger here:

Enwèlù m onye ọbìà I have a visitor

ọbọ

sheath (of knife, sword, etc.)

ọbọ mmà

sheath of knife, sword, etc:

Tìnye mmà n’ọbọ Sheathe the knife, sword

ọbò 1.

vengeance; revenge

-bò ọbò

avenge; revenge:

Àdịrō m abò ọbò I do not take vengeance

ọbò 2.

see ọbù 1., 2.

òbò 1.

laziness; idleness:

Achòrò m ijē afịa, mà òbò ekwērọ m I want to go to market,

but I feel too lazy:

Òbò nà-èsi m ijē sụ akwà I am too lazy to wash my clothes

òbò 2.

a general name for fish in the Mormyridae family; elephant-

snout fish

òbò asā

Mormyrops deliciosus

òbò ọdàa

Mormyrus rume

òbò ọnụ ogonogo

Gnathonemus tamandua

òbògwù, òbàgwù

(cf. òdògwùmà) duck

ọbụ

see ọgbụ

ọbù, ọbò 1.

pit-trap; pit for snaring animals

-dà ọbù

fall into pit-trap: (Proverb)

Ò jọfùlù àkù nnà ya n’ụjō sì nà enyi nà-adàa ọbù tanaa

The person who was too cowardly to reclaim his father's

wealth said that elephants fall into pit-traps and perish. (Used

when appealing to someone who has suffered some loss to

forget and stop brooding over it)

ọbù 2. ọbò

used in:

ọbù akā

palm of hand

ọbù ụkwū

sole of foot

òbụ

see ògbụ

òbụbụū

caterpillar (= ègu)

òbụnà, òbùnà

any; every

èkpe ōbụnà

whenever; any time

ife ōbụnà, òbùnà

anything; everything:

Nye m ife ōbụnà Give me anything

mgbe ōbụnà

any time; every time

270

mmadū ōbụnà,

everybody; any person; every person:

òbùnà

Mmadū ōbụnà gà-anòdị ànì Every person shall sit down

ǹke ōbụnà

either; whichever

onye ōbụnà, òbụnà

anyone; everyone; (with negative verb) no one:

Onye ōbụnà (òbùnà) abà n’ime ụnò Let no one enter the

room:

Onye ōbụnà bàa ime ụnò! Let everybody (everyone) enter

into the room!

ọcha

white; clean; pure; undefiled

ànì ọcha

A. dry land, not overflowed in wet season

B. Ìgbò land

àrụ ọcha

leprosy

arụrụ ọcha

sugar-ant

ịbà ọcha (= ịbà

jaundice

mmānụ)

nnekwu ọcha

white hen:

Agà m ègbu òfu nnekwu ọcha taàtà I am going to kill a

white hen to-day

onye ọcha

white person:

Òfu nwokē onye ọcha bì n’ụnō ānyị A white man lives in

our house

ọnà ọcha nà ọnā

silver and gold; (fig.) beautiful luxuries

ēdo

ọnà ọcha

silver

ònà ọcha

white variety of Dioscorea dumetorum Pax

òcha

whiteness; cleanliness; purity:

Achòlù m òcha na-enwērọ ntùpọ I want spotless white: (fig.)

Òchâ dì mmā, òjî dì mmā White is good, black is good

(meaning all is welcome, acceptable to me without

discrimination):

Aka m dì òcha My hands are clean (lit. and fig.):

Ụmù m bikō dòo nù ònwe ụnù òcha My children, please

keep yourselves undefiled:

Ngọzị nà-àdịlị ndi dī ọcha n’obì Blessed are the pure in heart

òchà

wild animal whose horn is made into an òpì, a transversely

blown signal horn

òchàǹjà

A. a small oil-lamp with cloth wick

B. the market in Onitsha formerly called Àlàhàmbrà was

named after this, because the lamp was used in the market,

which was held in the evening

C. now, the name of a motor park (on the same site)

D. (colloq.) anything inferior or fake

ọche

see oche

271

ọchì

laughter; mockery (-chì make sound with effort)

òchịchị

rule; government; ruling (-chị 1. C. rule, govern)

òchịchịī

darkness

-gbà anya ōchịchịī

have dim vision

-gbà òchịchịī

be, get, dark

òchọògù

praying mantis (lit. looking for a fight)

ọchù

homicide; murder; manslaughter

-gbu ọchù

commit murder, manslaughter

ọdā

basket

ọdà

permit; permission

ọdàchi

stumbling block; obstacle; hindrance; tragic event (from -

dàchi hinder, fall across):

Nyè efè màkà ọdàchi You must allow for delays

òdì-

being; state; condition; used as first element of nouns formed

for phrases with -dị be

òdìbendi

custom (from -dị be ndi be in the home of people; cf.

òmenàànì)

òdìegwù

the tragic; the wonderful

òdìkòọdīrọ ya

hypocrisy; pretence; uncertain state, character (cf. iru naàbò)

òdìmmā

A. well-being; prosperity

B. friend (in good or bad sense)

àrụ ikē nà òdìmmā

good health and well-being; well-being

Obì ọma nà-ewèta òdìmmā Kindness promotes good

relations

òdìnàànì

custom

òdìniiru

future

òdìnjọ

calamity; adverse circumstances; misfortune

òdìnoobì

sweetheart; favourite

òdìọfụū

the new

ọdò

obstacle under water, such as tree-trunk or stone

òdọ

area where a particular thing is plentiful

òdọ akpū

area full of cassava-farms

òdọ mmīli

pool, pit where rainwater collects; reservoir

òdògwùmà

(cf. òbògwù) duck

òdọlụkòọdò

title-name taken by or given to a wealthy person;

inexhaustible wealth

ọdụ

advice; exhortation; warning

-dù ọdụ

advise; warn:

Dùa nnwā gị ọdụ Warn your child

ọdū 1.

pestle

ọdū 2.

elephant tusk

ọdụ akā

ivory bracelet

ọdụ enyī

elephant tusk

272

ọdụ ụkwū

anklet of ivory (or copper)

ọdù 1.

A. seat

-nò ọdù

A. sit down:

Nòdị ọdù Sit down

B. stay long:

Ànọrọ m ọdù ebe m jèlù I did not stay long where I went

-dọ ọdù

sit down (in speaking to children)

B. particular place where a trader stays in the market; stall;

small market-shelter; part of market devoted to a particular

commodity

ọdù azụ

area of market where fish is sold

-dọ ọdù

sit in the market at one's stall, or at a particular section of

market

ọdù 2., ọdùdù

A. tail:

Ọdù nkịtā ǹkaà ètoka The tail of this dog is very long

B. the rear, last, youngest:

Oyèọmâ bù ọdùdù nnwā Èzèmbà Oyeọma is the last-born

child of Mr Ezemba

ọdù akā

little finger

ọdù anyā

corner of the eye

ọdū jī

tail-end of yam

ọdù ụkwū

little toe

òdùdù

plant for hedging, with edible leaves

òdùdù okè

plant planted along boundaries

òdùm

A. lion

B. any animal or person of great size and strength

òfalà

festival marked by ritual public appearance of kings (esp. of

Ònìchà, Ògidi, Nnoòbì, etc.)

-gba òfalà

celebrate the òfalà festival

ọfe, etc.

see ofe, etc.

ọfịa

bush; uninhabited country; forest; jungle

ajō ọfịa

A. a piece of land dedicated to a god

B. a piece of land where people who die of serious diseases

(e.g. smallpox, leprosy) or whose death is mysterious, are

buried (lit. bad forest)

anụ ọfīa

wild animal; (fig.) stupid, foolish person

efi ọfīa

bush-cow; buffalo (Syncerus caffer beddingtoni Lyd.)

ènwè ọfīa

wild monkey

ezì ọfīa

bush pig; red river hog

-fèga ọfịa

prepare forest for planting by propitiating the gods concerned

nkịta ọfīa

tree bear or tree-hyrax (Dendrohyrax dorsalis sylvestris

Temm.)

oke ọfīa

thick bush; jungle

273

òke ọfīa

bush rat

-sụ ọfịa

cut bush

-wa ọfịa

wander in, explore, the forest

òfọ

A. symbol of justice, righteousness, and the authority which

descends from the ancestors, represented by small piece of

wood; right; guarantee of truth; (sometimes) part of the regalia

of the umù alūsị

-gọ òfọ

bless with òfọ, the soul or emblem of kingship

-jì òfọ

be just in one's actions; (slogan) Òme īfe jìde ōfọ Let the doer

of a deed be just in what he does: (slogan)

Èjìmòfọò kà ọgwù Being just and upright is greater than juju;

i.e. the person who is just and upright in his deeds will

overpower or surpass in might the person who merely trusts in

juju, charms

-kụ òfọ

knock òfọ on the ground (of a priest in giving judgement)

-nwe òfọ

be innocent, in the right, just

-sù òfọ

knock the stick representing the god of justice (òfọ) on the

ground

B. the tree from which the wood representing òfọ is cut

(Detarium senegalense J.F. Gmel.)

C. male name

òfọ 2.

used in:

òfọ ògòlì, ògèlì

prodigal; spendthrift; womaniser:

Ọjì bù òfọ ògèlì Ọjị is a wild character

ọfòlò

stripped midrib of raphia palm, used as utum

-dụ ọfòlò

punt

ọfù

dream; vision

-fụ ọfù

see a vision; prophesy

ọfùlìfù

"up-wine" from crown of nkwụ

ọfụlū

see ọfụū

òfụma

properly; well

-ga òfụma

prosper; succeed; go well

-je òfụma

go well

-me òfụma

do well:

Mèe yā òfụma Do it well

ọfụū, ọfụlū

newness:

Àfe à dì ọfụū/ọfụlū This shirt is new:

Ọfụū ya pùtàlù ìfè Its newness is apparent

abù ọfụū

new hymn book

Àgbà ọfụū New Testament

àkùkù ọfụū

new piece of slang

akwụkwọ ọfụlū,

new book

ọfụū

274

ji ọfụū

new yam

ndepùta ọfụū

new edition

nwa ọfụū

newborn child

onye ọfụū

newcomer

ùwà ọfụū

modern world; nowadays:

Proverb: Òkụkò ọfụū amārọ ànì ò wèlụ òfu ụkwū èje Lit. A

new fowl moves about on one leg (meaning, a new person in a

place usually behaves with extra caution)

òga

master; used in addressing someone whose name is unknown

(Yoruba)

ògàalụ

a creeping plant whose yellow juice is used to decorate the

body

ògàcha

(slang) beautiful, glamorous person, usually a woman;

prostitute

ògàlànyà

one rich in money, goods or children

-ba ògàlànyà

become, grow rich:

Òyì m nwokē Ịbā àbago ògàlànyà My friend Ịba has

become rich

ògàzì

guineafowl

ògàzị mwù

African pike (Hepsetus odoe) ( = ògba)

àkwa ògàzì

egg of guineafowl

ọgè, ògèdè

see ogè, ògèdè

ọgịlịga

rib

ògịnì

brown striped rat

ọgò

in-law

ọgò nwaàyì,

mother-in-law; any female relative by marriage

nwaànyì

ọgò nwokē

father-in-law; any male relative by marriage

-gò ọgò

perform duties of a relation by marriage

ògò

kindness; a present

-ma ògò

be grateful, polite, well-behaved, modest, courteous

amā ògò

ingratitude

òmụma ògò

gratitude (lit. appreciation of kindness)

-me ògò

give a present; do a kindness

ògòdò

loin-cloth

-ma ògòdò

wear, tie wrapper; be dressed in wrapper

-wà ògòdò

A. wear loin-cloth

B. (fig.) be of age, adolescent; reach puberty

ògòlò

(= ngwò) raphia palm-wine; raphia palm (Raphia hookeri

Mann and Wendl.) (cf. Yoruba ògòrò)

mmanya ògòlò

raphia palm-wine

ọgòm ajiī

fish (Phago loricatus)

ọgụ

20 (esp. in multiples); score

275

ọgụ arò

20 years:

Nnwa m àgbàgo ọgụ arò My child is already 20 years old

ọgụ īse

one hundred; five score:

Ọgụ arò ìse gālụ aga 100 years ago

ọgù

hoe

ụsụ ọgù

fruit-bat

ògụ

(-gụ 1. count) used in:

ògụ ākwụkwọ

reader; scholar

ògụ ēgwu

singer; minstrel

ògụ ìsà

chatterbox (esp. women and children)

ògù

fight; fighting; war

ògù ikpe ōmụma

an unjust fight

ògù ụnò

fighting between people of same town or village

-gba ògù

side with; defend; fight for

-gbò ògù

part (antagonists, fighters, combatants)

ife ògù

arms, weapon(s)

mgba n’ògù

strife, conflict

-nù ògù

fight:

Ọ nà-anū ògù He is fighting

-nụsò ògù

fight, war against:

Agà m ànụsō yā ògù I shall fight against him

òche ògù

praying mantis

onye nnụsō ògù

an enemy

ògùgò

joy; gladness

(ògùgò) -gbu

be happy

Ògùgò nà-ègbu m I am happy (because of a specific thing)

-gbu ògùgò

gladden:

Ife ọ gà-ewètalụ m nà-ègbu m ògùgò Something he is going

to bring for me is making me happy

ògụgùa

A. comforter, consoler

B. male name (-gù-gù comfort)

ọgbà 1.

stile

ọgbà ụnò enū

(= step) staircase; ladder to upper room

ọgbà 2.

cave

ògba

African pike (Hepsetus odoe) (= ògàzị mwù)

ògbà

row; line (mwù)

ògbà agū

secret night society (using agụ ọgbà); leopard society

ògbaā tumtum

motor-cycle (-gba 1. C.iii 'shoot' + noun agent prefix +

tumtum 'sound of motor-cycle')

ògbàdụ

maize (Zea mays Linn.) (= ọkà)

-gbasị ògbàdụ

rub off grains from maize cob

-ŋa ògbàdụ

roast corn

ògbakasị

chickenpox

276

ọgbàlà

punting pole

ògbànchi

decorated iron or brass staff or spear of a chief

ògbanje

(= nwa ōgbanje) (from -gba nje make several trips to and

from a place; lit. maker of several trips or recurrent visitor)

'repeater'; child believed to belong to a band in the world of

spirits to which he/she returns in infancy; from there he goes

back to his mother's womb to be born again, only to die and

return to the spirit world again in infancy. Ògbanje is born

several times, dying each time and returning to the world of

spirits. A mother who experiences frequent child mortality is

believed to be visited by a member or members of the ògbanje

group. The new-born baby is regarded as the one who died

last; and the child's death is to be expected any time, unless a

native doctor specialist in ògbanje spirits is provided and

performs successfully certain rituals which include the

ògbanje object known as iyi ògbanje or iyi ùwà, on which

the ògbanje swore to return to the spirit world. The place

where the object is hidden is known only to the doctor and the

ògbanje. (But an ògbanje can decide to stay and live to old

age without the native doctor's rituals and/or propitiation to

the other members of his particular ògbanje band.)

Sometimes a part of the dead ògbanje's body, e.g. a finger or

an ear, is amputated, and as proof that it was the same child

who returns next time it is believed that such amputated parts

are missing on the new baby's body. The amputation of parts

of the body is done in the belief that the ògbanje would feel

the pain and/or shame and on the next return to the world

would remember it and refuse to die again. An ògbanje who

stays is given excessive petting and care to the disadvantage

of the other children. The parents who have suffered greatly at

the hands of the ògbanje and become improverished do

everything possible in order to prevent a recurrence of the

bitter experience. The ògbanje behaves in his own peculiar

way. Sometimes his character and physical features may bear

no resemblance to those of any member of the family. The

surviving ògbanje sometimes exploits this difference and the

special treatment of his parents ruthlessly and selfishly by, for

instance, demanding that a particular kind of clothes must be

bought for him, otherwise the parents run the risk of losing

him. Certain proper names are often though not invariably

given to surviving ògbanjes. The names are believed to help

in preventing the ògbanje from returning to the world of

spirits. The names include Nònyelụm stay with me; Nwoōsu

the son of òsu (but this does not make such a child an òsu. It

277

is meant to bring shame on the ògbanje as explained above).

ọgbe etc.

see ogbe, etc.

ọgbìlìgbà

chain:

Ndị orī bīalụ n’ebe à n’anyàsì jì ọgbìlìgbà kùdo onye nche

n’osisi The thieves who came here last night used a chain to

chain the watchman to the tree

ògbọ

age-set

n’ògbọ

together; in common

otu ōgbọ

age-set association

ògbò

place farmed at least once before

ọgbòdògbò

thigh

ọgbòdògbò alā

abnormally heavy, large and long breasts

ògbònò, àgbònò

seed of tree ugilī (Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex

O'Rorke) Baill.); the pulpy yellowish fruit resembles a small

mango. The seeds are widely used in making soup

ọgbụ, ọbụ

rope, tether for animals

ògbụ, òbụ

type of fig tree planted in the compound and used for feeding

livestock (Ficus eriobotryoides Kunth. and Bouche) and in

many cases for shade. It represents Ànì and is planted at her

shrines. The sap is pure white and can serve as rubber

ògbụ chī

fig-tree planted to represent one's Chi

ọgbūgba

gourd prepared for fetching water

ọghà

abomination; forbidden thing

ọghēle

see oghēle

ọghìlìghò

cluster of empty palmnuts

òghọm̄

mistake; mishap; loss:

Ife kpātalụ nà òtụtụ mmādù adī àgba mgbele bù màkà nà

fa nà-àtụ egwū òghọm The reason why many people do not

trade is because of their fear of loss

ògwa

verandah; porch; covered gateway; reception room

ọgwè

see ogwè

ògwọ

used in:

ògwọ ǹnù ọyà

panacea; medicine capable of curing all disease (lit. curer of

400 diseases)

ògwọ òyà

doctor (lit. curer of diseases)

ọgwù

A. root

B. medicine; poison; charm; "juju"; sorcery

ọgwù afō

purgative

ọgwù akā

whitlow (on the finger or hand)

ọgwù ịbà

a medicine for fever

ọgwǔ jī

A. yam medicine, obtained from Nri by surrounding peoples

B. pesticide; fertilizer

ọgwū ūde

kind of native medicine prepared and stored in a bottle with

278

palm-kernel oil, used for curing convulsions, poisoning

afịfịa ọgwù

herb (for the preparation of native medicine)

-gba ọgwù

inject (drug with syringe)

-gbunye ọgwù

cut up and bring together into a pot various herbs, roots and

other ingredients of native medicine

-gwọ ọgwù

prepare medicine

-kọ ọgwù

practice sorcery against

-rụ ọgwù

A. neutralise effect of poison

B. To prove that food or drink presented by the host to his

guests have not been poisoned, the host usually tastes every

eatable thing presented before his guests. This is called ịrū

(nni) ọgwù

ụnò ọgwù

hospital; dispensary; nursing home

òjà

wooden whistle; flutes played in sets; (arch.) spheroidal

ocarina made from bush-orange (Oncoba spinosa) shell used

to send message in war

-gbu òjà

blow whistle

òkwa òjà

whistle-player

ọjị, ọjī

A. kolanut, the giving and receiving of which symbolizes

ritual relations of homage and hospitality; anything presented

with, or instead of, kola

ọjị ùgò

white kola

àkpà ọjī

pod of kolanut

-che ọjị

give kolanut

isi ọjī

germinal sprout of kola

ose ọjī

alligator pepper (lit. kola pepper, because usually chewed with

kola)

-ta ọjị

chew kolanut

ndi ōta ōjị

nickname used only by the Igbo to describe the Yoruba

-wa ọjị

break kola

279

B. bribe; tip

ọjì

A. iroko tree, Milicia excelsa (Welw.) Benth.

ọjì anwū

kind of ọjì with leaves less broad than that of ọjì; false iroko

(Antiaris africana Engl.)

àbalà ọjì

fruit of iroko (used for feeding goats, sheep, etc.)

àzụ ọjì

carved iroko panel in door or wall

-tùtù ọjì

pick iroko leaves (for feeding livestock, e.g. goats, sheep, etc.)

B. male name

òjògòlò

casting-net

ọjọō

bad, evil

ife ọjọō

bad; evil thing or deed:

Ị nà-ème m ife ọjọō You are doing evil to me

iru ọjọō

bad omen

isi ọjọō

bad luck

ọnòdù ọjọō

bad condition, position, state

ùdị ọjọō

bad kind, form, being nature

ùwà ọjọō ǹkaà

this sinful world

Ọka

Awka

ọkà

corn; maize (Zea mays Linn.) (= ògbàdụ)

ọkà ìŋarị, ìŋàrịì

millet

-gwe ọkà

pound corn

-kụ ọkà

plant maize

Òbi adī àkụ ọkà Obi never plants maize on his farm

-kpọ ọkà

remove the grains from the ear of maize

-kpọsị ọkà

rub off grains of corn from cob

-kwọ ọkà

grind corn

ǹga mkpụlụ ọkà

life imprisonment

nni ọkà

pap; àgìdi

òka

used in:

òka elùlò, òka ìlòlò

counsellor; thinker; adviser

òkà 1.

mightiest; greatest; expert; specialist; used in:

òkà àka

A. the mightiest; greatest

B. male name

òkà ekwukwū

chatterbox

òkà malaàjụ

person who is fond of asking questions, inquisitive person

òkà okwū

orator; eloquence

òkà ụtā

archer

òkà 2.

see àkà 3.

òkàlà

A. half; part; portion

òkàlà arò

mid-year

òkàlà naàbò

two halves:

Kèe yā òkàlà naàbò Divide it into two equal parts

òkàlà ọnwā

half-month

280

ọtụlụ òkàlà

paralysis of one half of the body; hemiplegia and paraplegia

B. short cloth tied as sign of reaching puberty

òkàǹgà, òkàǹga

A. type of music; set of three ceremonial drums, used with òjà

during the Òfalà feast

ìgba òkàǹgà

drum of the Igwē of Àgùleèrì

B. masquerade

òkazì

plant used in soup (Gnetum spp.)

ọkè, òkè

see okè, òkè

ọkìkà

tattoo (cf. nkì)

-gbu ọkìkà

tattoo (cf. -dọ nkì)

ọkìlì

Common Bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus)

ọkìlị mgbawa īsi

constant severe head-ache, believed to be caused by medicine

involving ọkìlì

ọkìlìkà 1.

thorny climbing plant

ọkìlìkà 2.

used in:

-ti ọkìlìkà

chisel, sharpen teeth cosmetically (esp. by Ànam people)

òkìlìkà 3.

second-hand clothing

òkịtịkpā,

see kịtịkpā

òkịtịkpākpa

ọkọ

crawcraw; itch; rashes (of body)

-kọ ọkọ

itch; irritate:

Anya nà-àkọ m ọkọ My eye itches

òkọ īsi

barbar

ọkọchì

dry season:

Ọkọchì nà-àbịa The dry season is approaching

òkòlòkọlọ

round shape

-dị òkòlòkọlọ

be round in shape:

Nye m ìtè afū dī òkòlòkọlọ Give me that round pot

ọkòlòtò 1.

flag, banner

ọkòlòtò 2.

chewing-stick

òkọtọ

very many; very much; many

ọkshòm

auction (E.)

-le afịa ọkshòm

sell wares at an auction

-le ọkshòm

sell at an auction; sell by auction:

Ọ chòlù ilē ife yā niīne ọkshòm She wants to sell all her

belongings by auction

ọkụ

A. fire; heat

(ọkụ) -le

be hurt or touched (by fire or hot object)

ọkụ mmọọ

hell:

Ndi njọ gà-abà n’ọkụ mmọọ Sinners shall enter hell

anya ọkū

A. disease of the eye

B. fierceness of aspect

C. jealousy; envy

281

ùwà anya ọkū

envious, jealous world

àrụ ọkū

fever

-da n’ọkụ

warm (soup, etc.)

-da ọkụ

brand; cauterize

-dị ọkụ

be hot:

Ọ dì ọkụ It is hot

-fùnwu ọkụ

light a fire by blowing

-fù ọkụ

blow fire

-gụta ọkụ

fetch fire

iche ọkū

spark (lit. missile of fire)

ikelike ọkū

spark

ile ọkū

flame; spark; hot part of fire

-kpò ọkụ

be hot; be lively (of season or place)

-kpọnye ọkụ

build up fire; set fire to

-kpọ ọkụ

burn; set fire to; burn off with fire

-kwànị ọkụ 1.

(lit;) fan fire 2. (fig.) instigate someone to do something

-kwànye ọkụ

stir up a fire; accelerate a car

-le ọkụ

be hot, warm; brand with hot object; burn or touch with fire or

hot object

mkpa ọkū

matches

-mùlù ọkụ

light from (fire, etc.)

-mù ọkụ

kindle light

ntụ ọkū

ash

-nụ ọkụ

be hot

nụ ọkụ n’obì

be zealous, enthusiastic; agitate; anger; enrage

-ŋa n’ọkụ

roast

-nya ọkụ

warm oneself; bask

òòbo ọkū

furnance; heap of coal, charcoal; fire

opoto ọkū

burning coal; ember

òwu ọkū

wick

ọnà ọkū

brass

ònòkò ọkū

half-burnt piece of wood

-rụ ọkụ

broil; roast; scald; burn (of live things)

-su ọkụ

burn; set alight; set on fire

ùfìè ji ọkū

sacrifice, feast before eating new yams

B. lamp; light; lantern:

Bùtelụ m ọkụ Bring me the lamp:

Chì ọkū Show the light

ọkụ ọwā

torch

ọkụ ukpē

lamp

ọkù 1.

A. wealth; riches; possession; inheritance (from -kù bring into

use)

-li ọkù

inherit wealth

282

B. livestock:

Ọkù adī èkwu okwū Livestock never speak (i.e. they can’t

complain)

ọkù 2.

fishing (from -kù 1. hook)

ọkù azù

fishing:

Ọkù azù abūrọ ọlụ sīlị ike Fishing is not hard work

-je ọkù

go fishing

ndị ọkù

fishermen

òkù 1.

pipe (for tobacco); snuff-box

òkụ ụtabà

tobacco pipe; snuff-box

-sè òkù

smoke pipe

B. clay bowl; plate:

Proverb: Chukwu Nnà ekwēna kà anyị fụ elikàta n’efele

èlibe n’òkù May God the Father never allow us to fall from

eating off china plates to eating off clay plates, i.e., May our

condition never revert from good to bad

òkụkò, òkụkù

fowl

òkụkù abùke

kind of fowl which never grows to a large size but is tough

(usually used for sacrifice)

òkụkū ìkìkè

small fowl; pullet

ǹtu ōkụkò

soft body feathers or down of fowl

-sèli òkụkù

steal fowls (habitually, mainly for eating) (lit. draw and eat)

ùyòm ōkụkò

chicks

ùla ōkụkò

fowl-house

ọkpà 1.

leg, shin (cf. ụkwụ)

ọkpà 2.

shuttle

òkpa 1.

stake; stick

òkpa 2.

used in:

di ōkpa

term of respectful address to men in general (but strictly

elderly and responsible men, e.g. head of household)

òkpà 1.

cock; also di òkpà, oke òkpà

òkpà 2.

kind of nut; groundnut (Arachis hypogaea Linn.)

òkpa ìkele

groundnut

ọkpala

A. first-born son (also di ọkpala):

Abù m ọkpala nnà m I am the first-born son of my father

B. male head of a (sub)lineage, regarded as intermediary

between his lineage and the ancestors, who performs priestly

duties such as sacrificing to Ànì and whose symbol of

authority is òfọ (Uchendu 1965: 40-41)

C. (in Christian usage) the Son, Jesus Christ:

Òtùto dìlì Nnà nà Ọkpala nà Mọọ Nsō Glory be to the

Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost

D. male name

283

òkpàǹga

mourning dance for a man

ọkpètè

see okpètè

ọkpìjò, ọkpì

A. puffer-fish with very poisonous gall (Tetraodon fahaka)

B. great and dreaded masquerade

òkpọ 1.

general name for fish in the Bagridae, Aridae and Mochokidae

families

òkpo āba

Synodontis membranaceus

òkpọ èbùnù = òkpọ

S. batensoda

isi nkịtā

òkpọ mmānụ

S. clarias, S. sorex, S. eupterus, S. ocellifer, S. gobroni, S.

nigrita

òkpọ ọcha

Clarotes laticeps and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus

òkpọ ọfū

Bagrus bayad (= ugọnọm)

òkpọ 2.

fist; blow with fist; boxing

-kụ òkpọ

box

-su òkpọ

box; strike with fist

-ti òkpọ

box; strike with fist

òkpòkọ

pipe (for smoking) (word used mostly by old people) (cf. òkụ

ūtabà)

ọkpọkōlọ

dryness:

Àna à dì ọkpọkōlọ this land is dry

ọkpọkọrọ

old and broken thing; worn-out thing

òkpọlè

A. frame with wooden wheels used to teach child to walk

B. bicycle (old term)

ọkpọō

dryness (cf. ọkpọkōlọ):

Fa nà-ègbulī ànà ọkpọō They are tilling a dry piece of land:

Àna à dị ọkpọō This land is dry:

Proverb: Onye isi ikō nwụa, è nìe yā n’ànì ọkpọō When a

stubborn person dies he will be buried in dry ground

isi ọkpọō

bare head:

O bù ibu n’isi ọkpọō He is carrying a load on his bare head

òkpọrọ, ùkpọrọ

for nothing; in vain (cf. nà ǹkịtị):

Ì lò nà mụ nà-àta afụfụ n’ebe à òkpọrọ? Do you think I am

suffering here for nothing?

-gba aka ōkpọrọ

be empty-handed (cf. aka nkịtị):

Gịnī kpàtàlù nà ị gbà aka ōkpọrọ bịa ebe à? Why do you

come here empty-handed?

ọkpòsì

staff; walkingstick (cf. mkpà n’aka, mkpọ)

ọkpụ 1.

long; lasting; for ever; long-continued; long-standing

ọkpụ ànì

ancient; long-established

ọkpụ ezi ụzò

middle of path or road; main road; permanent path

ọkpụ tòlụ ọkpū

for ever and ever

ọkpụ 2.

used in:

284

ụmù ọkpū

married daughters

òkpụ

(-kpụ 3. shave) used in:

òkpụ īsi

barber; shaver

òkpụ īsi elī ngo

ringworm

òkpù

A. piles (on human anus); callosity (on buttocks of baboons,

etc.)

òkpù n’ekwè, òkpù

back of head; occiput (cf. akpù)

n’okwò

B. fault; blemish; goal or point scored against one in game

òkpùkpò

bed of raised earth (= ìkpò)

ọkpụkpụ

bone; ivory wristlet

ọkpụkpụ āzụ

backbone

ọkpụkpụ nkịtā

tree species (Cnestis ferruginea DC)

-gbà ọkpụkpụ

A. become stronger (of growing young person) (lit. toughen

bones)

B. (fig.) be special, important, pressing:

Bikō gwà nnā ānyị ya bikō bìa màkà nà nnukwu okwū `dì,

okwu afù gbàlù ọkpụkpụ Please tell father he should please

come because there is a serious discussion about something;

the discussion is very important

-fọ sò ọkpụkpụ

be very emaciated:

Àdâ tàsìàlù fọ sò ọkpụkpụ Ada is very emaciated, or Ada is

nothing but skin and bones. (Lit. Ada has become emaciated;

what remains of her is only bones)

ùmì ọkpụkpụ

marrow (of bone)

òkpụkpụ

round-shaped mass (of mud); cassava balls (from -kpụ 2.

mould)

ọkpùlùkpù

piece; lump (e.g. of meat)

ọkpùlùkpù anū

piece of meat

ọkpùlùkpù okwū

very important discussion

ọkwa 1.

wooden bowl, tray; wooden platter for cutting up meat

ọkwa 2.

state; condition; post; position

akàlà ọkwā

insignia of office

-nò n’ọkwa

be in a post, position:

Ifem nò na nnukwu ọkwā n’ụnò ọlū fa Ifem is in a high

position in their office

-zọ ọkwa

contest for a post

ọkwà

announcement; notice; advance information

-ma ọkwà

announce (e.g. in the church):

Amā m ọkwà I announce (phrase used in calling banns)

òkwà +

(-kwà 4. blow (pipe), sing)

òkwa àbù

soloist

òkwa òjà

whistle-player

285

òkwà

francolin; bushfowl

òkwè

see òkwè

òkwù

friend (good or bad sense)

ọkwụ(chi)

see okwu(chi)

òkwụkwa

funeral (from -kwa 2. B. keep funeral)

ọkwùlù

okra; okro (Abelmoschus esculentus Linn.)

ọkwùlù ezì

pawpaw; papaya

ọkwùlù oyìbo

pawpaw; papaya

ọlà

staleness, as of food left overnight

-bà ọlà

be stale (of pounded food)

nni ọlà

remains of yesterday's food

okwu ọlà

(fig.) stale, old quarrel:

Rapùzia okwu afù nà ọ bàgo ọlà Drop the quarrel (issue),

for it is now stale

òla, ùla

slap on the face

-ma òla

slap on the face:

Màa yā òla Slap him

òlaka

used in:

òlaka mmanya

drunkard

òla ǹjùnà

herb, Aspilia africana (Pers. C.D. Adams), used to treat slight

bruises or injuries

òlịlịī, òlịlī

stroll

-pùkwu òlịlī

go out for a stroll in direction of friend(s); go out and visit;

call upon

-pù òlịlī

go out for a stroll; go out to another house to stay and play

with friends there (usu. of children)

ọlọgbà

used in:

ụkwụ ọlọgbà

crooked, knock-kneed legs; "K-legs"

ọlụ 1.

A. work; task; something difficult, tiring, tiresome (from -lụ

1. work):

Gịnî bù ọlụ gī? What is your work?:

Bìa kà ànyị je ọlū Come and let us go to work

Ịnyà ụgbọ dì ọlụ Driving is difficult

Ọlụ Oyìbo Civil Service:

Ụmù m ìbùa nò Ọlụ Oyìbo Two of my children are in the

Civil Service

akwụkwọ ọlū

letter of appointment

dàalụ ọlū

well done! salutation to person or people at work

-fe ọlụ

superintend work

-gba aka ọlū

be unemployed

ife inē ọlụ

prize; reward

ife ọlū

tool; instrument

-lụ ajō ọlụ

do work badly

286

-lụ ọlụ

work

-ne ọlụ

reward; pay (wages)

ǹga ọlụ ikē

imprisonment with hard labour

nwa ọlū

apprentice

-repù n’ọlụ

leave, abandon work stealthily or unnoticed, unannounced

ụgwọ ọlū

wages; salary; payment for work done

ụnò ọlū

office; department; workshop

ọlụ 2.

fault; weakness (of behaviour in human beings) (from -lụ 2.

defile):

Egbè m nwèlù ntịntị ọlū My gun has a slight fault:

Ibè gbàlù ọlụ nwaàyì Ibe has the weakness of excessive love

for women

ọlụ 3.

limb of humans or leg of animals, including hip:

Ọ bụlụ nà ụnù abòsịa atụlū afù, wètalụnù m òfu ọlū ya

Bring me one of the hindquarters after cutting up that sheep

ọlụ anū

leg (of meat)

òlùkpù

blackened teeth

òlùkpùlù

septic mouth (common in neglected children); cancrum oris

ọlụsị

deformity; crippled or maimed state:

Àdâ nwèlù ọlụsị Ada is deformed

ọm!

int.

salutation of respect to an old man (especially a pagan)

ọma

good; fine; pleasing; nice; beautiful

abù ọma

psalm

afọ ọma

kindness

ife ọma

A. nice, good thing

B. female name:

Onye ōbụnā chōlụ ife ọma gà-àgba mbò na-àlụsi ọlū ike

na-èmeazị ezi òmùme Anybody who wants good things

(prospects) must strive to be hard-working and righteous

ijè ọma

farewell!

iru ọma

favour; goodness; good omen

isi ọma

good luck

-nwe afọ ọma

be generous, kind, benevolent

Ozi Ọma the Gospel; good news, message

ọmalịcha

beautiful; fine; admirable; pleasing; nice:

Nnā āyī zùtààlù m òfu ọmalịcha àkpà n’Ònìchà Our father

bought for me a beautiful bag from Onitsha

ọnòdù ọma

good condition

ụkwụ ọma

arriving and meeting with luck; encountering luck at arrival

(e.g. meeting a friend at table on arrival at his house)

ùtụtù ọma

fine morning

ọmà 1.

embrace

ọmà afīa

centre of market

287

-bì ọmà

greet (by embracing)

-dà ọmà

embrace:

Ànyị nà-èje izùtè nwunyì m sī òbòdò oyìbo nāta. Ife mbụ

m gà-ème ọgè m fùlù yâ bù ịdà yà ọmà We are going to

meet my wife just back from the United Kingdom. What I

shall do first when I see her is to embrace her

ọmà 2.

deity worshipped by all members of a community together

òmà

tree used to make drums (Cordia millenii Bak.)

òme

see òme

òmị

see ùmị

ọmìikō, òmịkō

lowliness; sweetness; mercy; pity; compassion:

Nnā ānyî nwèlù ọmìikō Father is merciful:

Bikō mèelụ m ọmìikō Please have compassion on me

òmòdì

title; respectful form of address to men in general

ọmụ

used in:

ọmụ ànì

bottom

ọmū

cave in rock

òmụ 1.

young palm-fronds; central spike of young raphia or oil palm

(See Anyanwu, C.N. 'The uses of the ọmụ in Igbo culture'.

Odenigbo 2.42-6, 1977)

-gba òmụ

tie young palm-fronds round an object, e.g. tree (for taboo

purposes)

Òmụ 2.

p.n.

title for chief woman of a place

òmụ 3.

gunflint

òmù, òmùmù

current (of a river)

-chị òmù

have a strong current (of river)

òmụgwò

birth feast; period immediately after a woman’s safe delivery

till about three months, during which she is confined at home

and does not go to market. The traditional period ends with

the mother's ceremonially attending the market on a set day at

the end of the òmụgwò period. The period of the observation

of òmụgwò and the òmụgwò observation is called ǹgwò

òmùlùnwa

interest:

Jèe kwùa òmùlùnwa n’isi egō Go and pay the interest on the

principal

òmùmù 1.

fruitfulness (in bearing children) (? -mì 2. bear; cf. ụmù):

Chukwu nyèlù yà òmùmù God gave her the gift of

childbearing

ùme òmùmù

frequent loss of new-born children

òmùmù 2.

see òmù

ọnà

brass; copper; any bright metal

ọnā èdò

gold

ọnà ọcha

silver

ọnà ọcha nà ọnā

A. silver and gold

288

èdò

B. (fig.) beautiful luxuries

ọnà ọkū

brass

ònà

yam with large trifoliate leaves (Dioscorea dumetorum

(Kunth) Pax. = Yoruba èsịrị)

ònà mmēe

yellow variety

ònà ọcha

white variety

Ònìchà

Onitsha

ànị Ònìchà

secret place worshipped by Ọnịcha people

otu Ònìchà

Onitsha town

ọnòdù

seat; sitting; condition; state

ọnòdù ọjọō

bad condition, position, state

ọnòdù ọma

good condition

ajō ònòdù, ajọ

A. position of danger or inconvenience to a person or thing

ònòdù

occupied by another. The person occupying the position is

himself not necessarily in danger but his being so close to the

other is a threat to security or convenience of the aggrived

person he is so close to:

Ị nò m ajō ònòdù Your staying so close to me inconveniences

me, or is a threat to my security

B. careless, indecent, or immodest way of sitting (usu. of

women):

Ụmū Mbà nwaànyì àna-anòka ajọ ọnòdù n’ikpo mmadù

Mba's daughters are very fond of sitting carelessly,

immodestly, in the midst of people

C. bad conditions, state (poverty, etc.), of person who has not

been in that position before:

A nò m n’ajō ònòdù I am in a precarious position

n’ọnòdù

instead of; in place of; in the position of

-zọ ọnòdù

contest for a seat, position, post

ònòkò

torch; firebrand; ember; half-burnt piece of wood

ònòkò nkū

half-burnt piece of wood

ònòkò ọkū

half-burnt piece of wood

ọnọnọ

fish (Gymnarchus niloticus) (= asa)

ọnònọō

tree with edible brown fruits, used to sweeten wine

ọnū 1.

A. mouth

ọnụ mīli

spittle; saliva (cf. asọ)

ọnụ ǹdè

A. having a sweet tooth

B. (= idè ọnū) impossible request, sometimes used as a

pretext for breaking off a relationship:

Òkeēke anā-àchọrọ ọnụ ǹdè Okeeke doesn’t like people

trying something on

ọnụ ūtọ

having a sweet tooth

289

ọnụ ụzò

doorway; door; gate; gateway

ọnụ ụzō īlo

gate; gateway; main compound door

àfù ọnū, àfè ọnū

beard; moustache

-gba àfù ọnū

grow beard, moustache

-bu ọnū

fast

-bụ ọnụ mīli

spit

-bụsa ọnụ mīli

spit on:

Abūsana m ọnụ mīli Do not spit on me

-gbụcha ọnū

wash, rinse mouth

-gbụ ọnụ mīli

spit

idè ọnū

see ọnụ ǹdè

-jụ ọnū

draw someone out to gain information

-jupùta n’ọnū

be full to the brim

-kpùchi ọnū

hush; shut one's mouth

-kpù n’ọnū

carry in the mouth

-mechi ọnū

hush; shut up

-mì ọnū

draw in the mouth; pout; be envious

ǹju ọnū

mouthful

ogbènyè ọnụ ntū

very poor, destitute, person

-susù ọnū

kiss

-yàtọ ọnū

open mouth forcibly

myàtọ ọnū

opening of mouth forcibly, esp. of another person or animal;

(fig.) abusing someone by saying he is talking nonsense

B. hole; opening; cave; den:

Òkê nò n’ime ọnū The rat is in the hole, or There is a rat in

the hole

ọnụ egbè

opening of gun-barrel

ọnụ ìlòlò

gutter; drain

-kwuchi ọnū

cover, plug hole, opening

-tù ọnū

burrow

-wo ọnū

dig hole (already existing, e.g. rat-hole); excavate

C. speech (including special kinds, such as asking price or

counting)

ọnụ afīa

(also shortened to ọnū) price; market price; cost:

Nnā ānyî zùtààlù m ife dī ọke ọnụ afīa n’Ònìchà Father

bought for me something costly from Onitsha

Kèdu ọnū ya? What is its price?:

Achòlù m ịmā ọnū ya I want to know its price

ọnụ ànì

low price; cheapness:

Àfè afù dì ọnụ ànì That gown is cheap

ọnụ ikē

expensive

(ọnū) -kpà

be speechless; be unable to speak much, or to speak at all (not

pathological, but psychological and/or emotional, disability);

290

be dumbfounded

ọnụ mmīli okwū

(fig.) word; sentence; very short speech:

Achòlù m itīnye sòọsò òfu ọnụ mmīli okwū I want to add

only a sentence, word, or I want to speak only very briefly

ọnụ nā-ekwulu

advocate; spokesman:

(òrà)

Ndù bù ọnụ nā-ekwulu ānyị Ndụ is our spokesman

ọnụ okwū

eloquent; eloquence:

Ilô nwèlù ọnụ okwū Ilo is eloquent

ọnụ ọgū

number; numeral; total; sum:

Achòlù m ịmā ọnụ ọgū ụkpā dī n’ime àkpà I want to know

the number of "walnuts" in the bag:

Anà m amùba ụmù akā ọnụ ọgū I am teaching the children

the numerals

ọnụ ōgụgụ

numbering; amount; total; the Book of Numbers in the Bible

ọnụ òkpùkpà

speechlessness; exhaustion; utter weariness

ọnụ ọma

politeness:

Ikê nwèlù ọnụ ọma Ike is polite

ajō ọnụ

rudeness

-bụ ọnū

curse

-debe ọnū duu

be silent

-gala ọnū

be dear

ǹgàla ōnụ

dearness

-gụ ọnū

count; reckon

-kọ ọnụ

quarrel; abuse; revile

-kpà ọnū

render speechless; leave one dumbfounded:

Òmùme ifelē Ilo nà-èmê kpàlù m ọnū ogē m jèlù ikènè nnà

ya Ilo's shameful behaviour when I went to greet his father

left me dumbfounded

-kpù okwu n’ọnū

be still speaking; be speaking (e.g. in contribution to debate or

speeches during meeting)

-kwe ọnū

offer price; bargain

-kwu ọnụ naàbò

speak deceitfully

onye ọnụ okwū

mouthpiece:

Ọō ya bū onye ọnụ okwū anyị He is our mouthpiece

-rù ọnū

price; name a price for

-sà n’ọnū

confess voluntarily to crime, abomination or other bad deeds

-tinyekọ ọnū n’òfu

speak the same thing; be unanimous

-tù ọnū

boast; bluff

-yatọ ọnụ

be vulgar in speech

D. sound

-ra ọnū

sound

-rụ ọnū

chatter with cold (of teeth)

291

ọnū 2.

(cf. ọnụnụ) edge

ọnụ mmīli

edge of water

ọnụ mmà

edge of sword

ọnụ ụgbō

bows of a boat

-pelụ ọnū

be chipped, jagged

ọnū 3.

togetherness

-bikọ ọnū

live together

-dàkọ ọnū

coincide; be in harmony

-kpokọbà ọnū

gather together; collect

-rà ọnū

be equal

-zù ọnū

be complete, enough, to go round

ònù

African mahogany (Khaya grandifolia DC and/or K.

senegalensis A. Juss.?)

ọnụkū

(extended) family, on both male and female side

ọnụma

family

ònùmà

severe displeasure; wrath; fury; stronger than iwe (cf. -nù 1.

fight)

-kò ònùmà

be angry; swell with anger

onye ònùmà

hot-tempered person

ọnụnụ

(cf. ọnū 2.) tip; point; edge

ọnụnụ alā

nipple

ònùnù 1.

gall; bile; bitterness (lit. and fig.): great anger

ònùnù 2.

small bottle-shaped calabash used as powder flask

ọnwa

moon; month

ọnwa āsatō, āsatọ

eighth month

ọnwa īsaà

seven months; seventh month

ọnwa ndozù

full month

kwà ọnwa

monthly

mmùmù ọnwa

A. star

B. firefly

òkàlà ọnwā

half-month

ụgwọ ọnwā

(monthly) salary

ọnwò, ọnwà

A. some

ndị ọnwò

some people

-nye ọnwò

give some;

Nye m ọnwò Give me some

ọnwụ

death (from -nwụ 1. die)

(ọnwụ) -gụ

want to die

ọnwụ ọjọō

bad death, i.e. a premature death by accident, suicide, certain

diseases or childbirth, which causes one to become ekwensu

-be ọnwụ ōnwụ

cry in death-agony

-kwò ọnwụ

be at point of death; struggle with death

-nwụ ọnwụ

die

292

-nwụ ọnwụ ikē

die tragic death, or in an accident

-si ọnwụ

persist; be obstinate in desperation or in last desperate effort

(by sufferer) before or to prevent death

ònwùnwà

temptation; trial; proof (-nwà 1. tempt, try):

Èkê nò n’ime ònwùnwà Eke is in temptation

Edūbànà àyì n’ime ònwùnwà Lead us not into temptation

ọnya

sore; ulcer

àpà ọnyā

scar; scar of sore

-ba ọnya

develop into sore or ulcer (of fresh wound)

-chagbu ọnya

heal a sore by washing

ọnyà

spring trap; snare

ọnyà igwè

steel trap

(ọnyà) -ma

trap, catch (of trap):

Ọnyà m màlù ewī My trap caught a giant rat

ọnyà mkpàkànà

steel trap

ọnyā ūdudo

spider's web

-kwe ọnyà

set trap

-ma n’ọnyà

be entrapped:

Nkịtā m màlù n’ọnyà My dog was caught in a trap

(fig.) Òbi àmago n’ọnyà Obi has been entrapped. If a person

is under suspicion of indulging in a crime, e.g. bribery,

policemen in disguise are sometimes sent to the person with

marked currency notes and if the person receives the notes

and is arrested the above expression is used. Or if a person is

suspected of stealing, money can be deliberately left where he

can find it, and if he takes the money and is caught, the above

expression is used

-si ọnyà

set trap

ònyì

dysentery (cf. òtòlò)

ọŋù

exultation; joy; rejoicing over

-ŋù ọŋù

A. be glad; exult; rejoice; crow over

B. (fig.) cry as a spoilt child

òŋụŋụ

A. drinking; drink

B. drinking party (from -ŋụ 1. drink)

ọò, ọō

short form of ọ bù, it is:

Ònye nà-àbịa? ọò (or ọō) Chiìmà Who is approaching? It is

Chiima.

òọ, òò?

short form of ò bù? is he? is it?:

Òọ ala? Is it madness? or, Are you going mad? (= ò bù ala?):

Òò gî kwèsìlì ịbīa? Is it you who is supposed to come? (= ò

bù gî ...)

òpàpa

groundnut (cf. òkpà)

mmanụ òpàpa

groundnut oil

293

òpìà

matchet; sword; large knife

òpịrìma

plantain (cf. ojokō)

òpòtòpòtò

see pòtòpòtò

òra 1.

physical health

òra 2.

tree whose leaves are used for soup, sometimes sacred in

some places; one of the trees planted to represent one's Chi

òrà

everybody; the public; force of public opinion

òra bīalụ ijè

the guests, visitors (who have travelled a long distance):

Òra bīalụ ijè, ǹnọò! Welcome, visitors (guests)!

òra mmādù

the populace, public

òra òkwùtè

secret inner council of the incarnate dead, of Igala origin

(Henderson 1972:88)

àda òrà

A. daughter of all

B. female name

afọ òrà

sacrifice before cultivation

-jụ òrà

ask after welfare

n’iru òrà

in public; publicly

onye òrà

stranger; guest; visitor (= onye ọbìà)

òrachi

sasswood tree (very poisonous) (Erythrophleum guineense G.

Don)

òròwù

fish (Labeo coubie and Barbus occidentalis)

ọrụ

vulva; vagina (cf. ọtù); may sometimes loosely include the

anus, when it may be called ọrụ nsị, but strictly the former

ọrụ ànì

dregs (of wine)

òsa

small squirrel (Yoruba òkèrè); cf. uzè

òsèkè

see òsèkè

òsè kpaàkpaà

see òsè kpaàkpaà

ọsìsì

long, elaborately carved rod used by chiefs in title-taking

ọsọ

running; race; haste; speed:

Mèe ife ōbụna ị nà-ème ọsō Do whatever you are doing

quickly

-chụ ọsọ

drive; pursue

-gba ọsọ

run:

Ànyị gà-àgba ọsō We are going to run

-gbalụ ọsọ

dodge; avoid

-jì ọsọ

rush

-kpo ọsọ

rush; run quickly (lit. collect running)

-kpolụ ọsọ

run quickly; rush

ọsọōsọ, ọsịīsọ

quickly:

Achòlù m kà ị lụa ọlụ afù ọsọōsọ I want you to do that work

quickly

-tipù ọsọ

take to one's heels; rush away, off:

Wèlụ ọsō bìa fū m anya Come and see me very quickly. (Lit.

294

come and see me with running)

-wèlụ ọsō

hurry; hasten; run

wèlụ ọsō wèlụ ijè

come very quickly; come in extreme hurry; come in response

to SOS call; come with great speed; speedily (lit. take

running, take walking):

Gwa yā nya wèlụ ọsō wèlụ ijè bìa fū m anya nà mmilī

àmaa nwokè Tell him to come and see me very quickly

because I'm really in a tight spot

-wù ọsọ

race

ọsò 1.

"hiss"; sound (of contempt) made by sucking teeth

-ma ọsò

make a "hiss":

Ònye nà-àma ọsò? Who is "hissing"?

-ma ọsò

suck the teeth (in contempt, etc.)

ọsò 2.

kind of children’s sickness causing distension of abdomen

òsọ

runaway; wanderer; fugitive

òsọōkwuùkwuù

awkwardness; uncounthness (as result of shyness or

inexperience) (-sọ kwuùkwuù behave stupidly):

Ọsọōkwuùkwuù jì ya ogè ọ bàtàlù n’ebe nà-àgba egwū

Awkwardness seized him when he entered the dancing floor

òsụkwū

variety of oilpalm which yields oil well

òsụsọō

sweat; perspiration

(òsụsọō) -su

perspire; sweat:

Òsụsọō nà-èsu m I am perspiring, sweating

ọta

shield:

Kraìst bù Ọta m Christ is my shield

òtà

kind of native cloth

ọtakwụ

deserted house

òtanjele, tanjele

galena; bright blue glittering imported hard stone, stocked by

merchants originally but retailed by petty women traders or

men retailers in small bits, size depending on the worth, used

as cosmetic. The chip is crushed on a clean hard surface,

usually a stone kept specially for it, and ground to fine

powder, and kept in special small containers with a narrow

neck, with a stick left inside the container allowing the tip to

show over the brim of the container. The woman shakes the

container to have the stick properly stained by the powder,

then applies a narrow strip of the dark green powder to each

of the lower eyelids (< Hausa)

mkpò tanjele

special container for òtanjele

òtanke

spy; scout; private detective (from -ta nke eavesdrop)

òtị

fat white caterpiller, grub

ọtọ

uprightness; straightness; right; verticality

-bìni ọtọ

stand up; rise up

-kwụ ọtọ

stand up:

295

Mmadù niīne kwụlụ ọtō Would everybody stand up

òtọ

A. nakedness; nudity; bareness

-gbaba ọtọ

make naked; strip:

Òbî gbàbàlù Ọjì òtọ Obi stripped Ọjị naked

-gba òtọ

be naked:

Òbî gbà òtọ Obi is naked

mgbalụ òtọ

state of nakedness, nudity:

Òbî nò nà mgbalụ ōtọ Obi is nude

òtò

trodden mud for building

ọtōsị

bamboo (cf. àchàlà)

ọtù

vulva; vagina (cf. ọrụ)

òtụkpà

grass ridging on a house

ọtụlụ

used in:

ọtụlụ òkàlà

paralysis of one half of the body; hemiplegia and paraplegia

òtùlùkpokpo

woodpecker (-tù peck + kpokpo the characteristic sound)

òtụtụ

many; various:

Òtụtụ ifē dì n’ime ūla Many things are in the bedroom:

Mmadù dì òtụtụ nà mbalā There are many people outside

ọwa, ọwala

torch; tinder (often of palm-branch beaten to fibre)

ọkụ ọwā

torch

òwèlè

see òwèlè

òwì 1.

friend (cf. enyì and òyì)

òwì 2., òwù

field-mouse

òwòlì

open space beside a stream or river

òwù

see òwì 2.

ọyà

sickness; illness (from -yà 2. be sick)

ọyà azịza, ọyā

(lit. swelling disease) used to describe diseases which are

ōzịza

characterised by general swellings of parts of the body, like

that seen in congestive heart failure, nephritis, advanced

anaemia, etc.

ọyà isī

sickness characterized by constant severe headache; sufferer

often shaves his hair to apply medicine (= ọkìlị mgbawa īsi)

ọyà mkpụlụ akū

disease characterised by growth of kernel-like tumours visible

under the skin or really prominent and hard on any part of the

body, and diseases characterised by swelling and hardening of

the glands of the body, which become hard and prominent and

look like kernels (esp. the lymphoid glands); may be

malignant or non-malignant. This is another example of one

of the Igbo methods of disease diagnosis. The disease is

diagnosed by symptoms, so that numberless different diseases

which appear to show similar signs can be given one name;

thus three persons suffering from different diseases may be

diagnosed as suffering from the same disease by this

diagnostic method

296

ọyà ọcha

leprosy

ọyā òmìmì

rickets

ajō ọyà

malignant disease

-bute ọyà

catch (a disease)

-gwọ ọyà

cure disease

oke ọyà

great sickness; leprosy

ògwọ ǹnù ọyà

panacea; medicine capable of curing all diseases (lit. curer of

400 diseases)

-yà ọyà

suffer illness; be sick; suffer from disease

òyì

friend; lover; mistress; adultery (more common than enyì and

òwì)

ndị òyì

friends

-yì òyì

A. be friends, lovers

B. commit adultery, fornication

òyò

conoidal basket-rattles, usually played in pairs

òyòọ

ivory bracelet worn by titled man

òzà 1.

filter (of fibre-sponge, ògbo); tow-like filter (cf. ǹzà, gauze

filter) (from -zà 2. filter)

òzà 2., òzò

mane (of animal); chest-hair, fleece (of ram, etc.) (cf. ǹzàlì)

òzàlà 1.

scorpion

odogwu òzàlà

scorpion

òzàlà 2.

spear-grass sp.

isi òzàlà

edge of òzàlà

òze

see òze

òzịza, ǹzịza

swelling; lump

ọzō

title entitling holder to be called ǹzè; title of high degree, and

much coveted, conferring on the owner privileges and honour

as a sacrosanct being

-chi ọzō

receive ọzō title

onye ọzō

holder of ọzō title

ọzò

large ape, esp. chimpanzee, gorilla [N.B. neither of the great

apes has been recorded in Igbo territory in centuries, making

it difficult to know the referent of this word]

ọzò di mgba

ape, gorilla

297

òzọ

again; other; another:

Wètalụ m ji ōzọ màkà nà ǹke mbū adīrọ mmā Bring me

another yam, for this first one is not good:

Gùa egwu afù òzọ Sing that song again:

Bìa ogē ōzọ Come another time:

Bìa ōzọ Come again

arō ōzọ

next year

ife ōzọ

another thing

onye ōzọ

A. another person

B. person who is not a relative:

Agà m ejìsi ikē na-ènyelụ Ibè aka màkà nà ọ būrọ onye ōzọ

I shall endeavour to continue helping Ibe because he is a

relative (lit

because he is not another person)

-me òzọ

repeat; do again

ùwa ōzọ

in the world to come

òzò

see òzà

ọzùgwè

snake, about 16" long, black and red, harmless but bad omen

-pa

carry; bear

-padò

lay down

-paga

carry to

-pana

take home

-panite

lift up; (fig.) stir up, begin

-pata

bring; carry towards the speaker:

Pàtalụ m ìtè afù Bring me that pot

-pà

compress; squeeze out, express (e.g. juice from a fruit); press

together

òpùpà

compressing; pressing; pressure

-pàkọ

press together; compress

-pàsịsị

press something (liquid) from

-pàtò

press into a mess (e.g. ripe fruit)

àpàlàpà, àpìlàpì

fresh fufu

ụpà

A. clay soil

B. wet mud; wet mud for building

paì!

int.

exclamation - my word! dear me! goodness! (= kaì!)

-pà-ko

be proud, arrogant, pompous, aloof, haughty

mpàko

haughtiness; pride; pomposity; aloofness

-me mpàko

be proud, pompous, arrogant, aloof

-pe 1.

be small, little

-peka

be very, too, small:

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Ife m kètàlù n’anụ afù èpeka My share of the meat was very

small

-pelụ ọnū

be chipped, jagged

-pe mpe

be small, little

-kụpe

break off part of:

Ị gà-àkụpe afele afù You will break that plate

-tipe

break off

penì

penny (less common than kọpò; E.)

-pe-tụ

reach; touch; concern:

Achòlù m kà ị kèe anū afù kà o petụ mmadù niīne I want

you to divide that meat so that it may reach everybody:

Okwu afù pètùlù m The matter concerns me

-petụgbàdo

reach, concern, all

-pio

to force way through small doorway, small opening in wall,

thicket

-piobà(nye)

enter into by forcing way through very small doorway,

opening, or inlet:

Atụlū èpiobàgo ime ọbā The sheep has pushed its way into

the barn

-pioghalị

sneak about (as in thick forest):

Òfu onyē m fùlù na-epīoghalị n’ime ọfīa ǹnyàafù yìlì onye

orī a nà-àchọ A certain man I saw sneaking about in the

jungle yesterday resembled the thief who is being looked for

-pionye

squeeze self into (somewhere) through small opening or

doorway

-pionye isi

push in the head through small opening

-piopùta

force way out through very small outlet, opening or doorway

pìtìì

describes something which is plentiful or falls plentifully:

Ogè m nà-agbà akwụkwọ ewēpùtàlù m òfu ụnō ūla màkà

idēbe ife ōlili. Ị bàta nà ya ogè afù ife ōlili àdị pìtìì When I

was getting married, I devoted one room to keeping foods. If

you entered it at that time, the food looked very plentiful:

Akwụ dī n’iru īlo etègo o jìlì cha, kịtāà mkpụlū ya nà-

adàsịsị pìtìì pìtìì The palm fruit in the front of the house has

been ripe a long time, now the nuts fall pìtìì pìtìì

-pị

carve; shape wood with sharp instrument

òpịpị

carving

-pị alūsị

carve, shape image

-pịcha

shape; sharpen; peel; carve

-pị egbè

carve wooden part of gun

-pì

squeeze; extract by pressure; press:

Anà m apì esuso sōlụ m n’isi kà abụ niīne dī n’imē ya wèe

pùtasịa I am squeezing the boil on my head in order to get rid

of all the pus in it:

299

Ànyị nà-apì ụkwà We are pressing out the seeds from the

fruit of the African Breadfruit (Treculia africana)

òpìpì

wringing; pressing; squeezing

-pì amù

(cf. -gba amù) castrate:

Nnā ānyị nà-àkwadebe ịpì mkpi ọ zùtàlù n’afịa ǹnyàafù

amù Father is preparing to castrate the he-goat he bought

from the market yesterday

-pìcha

squeeze out

-pìgbu

kill by squeezing

-pìkọ

compress; press together

-pìnye

squeeze into:

Achòlù m ịpìnyè ọgwù n’anya nā-enye m nsògbu I want to

squeeze some medicine into my bad eyes

-pìsịsị

press, squeeze out

-pịa 1.

A. flog; cane:

Ọ bụlụ nà ị bàta ime ụnò agà m àpịa gī If you enter the

house I shall thrash you

òpịpịa

flogging; caning

-pịa apịa

flog

-pịacha

flap (wing in water); shake off (dust, etc.)

-pịafùsị

flog and scatter

-pịa ife

whip; flog; punish generally; chastise

-pịa ìtàlì

flog with whip; whip; chastise:

Onye nkụzi nà-àpịa ụmù akwụkwọ ịtàlì The teacher is

caning the pupils

-pịasàsị

flog and scatter

B. smash; be smashed, flattened:

Ènyò ọkū m àpịago The bulb of my lantern has smashed

òpịpịa

smashing

-pịa apịa

smash; be flattened:

Òjà m chōlụ kà ị zụtalụ m n’Ònìchà ị nà-èjê bụ ǹke pīalụ

apịa n’ọdụ màkà nà ọ bù ùdị afù kà onye isi egwū kwulu

kà ànyị zụta The kind of flute that I want you to buy for me

from Onitsha - which you are travelling to - is the type that is

flat at the end because that is the type the leader of the

orchestra asked us to buy

-pịachi

fold

C. used as second verb, can be either -pịa or -pìà

-kụpịa, -kụpìà

smash into pieces

-kwọpìà, -kwọpịa

be smashed (by lorry)

-pịa + 2.

gather; arrange; reckon; reckon up; make account

-pịakọ

gather, press together

-pịazi

settle; reckon up; make account

300

-pịa + 3.

v.:

-pịa ụgbà

take a somersault into water; dive (= -kpọ ụgbà)

ponì

cask; puncheon (of palm oil) (? from English)

ponì mmānụ

cask, puncheon of palm oil

pòtòki

Portuguese person (? from English)

pọm

used in:

-tụ pọm

drip (= -tụ kpọm)

pòtòpọtọ,

wet muddy soil (e.g. after rain or in water-logged place)

òpòtòpọtọ

-pu 1.

grow; spring up; sprout

òpupu

growing; springing up; sprouting

-pu elō

A. grow fungus

B. (fig.) live for ever:

(fig.) Ọ chòlù ipū elō He wants to live for ever

-pu epu

spring up; sprout; grow

-pu n’ànì

be native or home-born, indigenous (lit. grow, sprout in the

soil)

-pu 2.

leak; have holes; be perforated

òpupu

leaking

-pu epu

be perforated; leak; have hole(s)

puku

eight thousand; thousands

puku ndi

millions; countless number

-pù 1.

go out (of):

Pùa n’ebe à Get out of this place

òpùpù

going out (of)

ime òpùpù

miscarriage

-pù ala

be mad; become mad

-pù ala aghùghò

pretend to be mad (in order to cheat or trick)

-pù ama

go to toilet (lit. go out to the fore-compound, beyond the main

compound door)

-pùcha

go away

-pù ijè

go on tour; travel

-pù ìlo

go out; take stroll

-pùkwu òlịlī

go out for a stroll in direction of friend(s); go out and visit;

call upon

-pùni

rise up

-pù n’ìlo

go outside

-pù n’orù

gain freedom from slavery, servitude

-pù òlịlī

go out for a stroll; go out to another house to stay and play

with friends there (usually of children)

-pùta

come out

-pùta ìfè

come out into the open; appear; be evident, visible:

Ànyị achōrọ kà ife ànyị nà-ème pùta ìfè We don’t want

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what we are doing to come out into the open (but rather to

remain secret or confidential)

-pùta n’ụzò

move out of the way:

Pùta n’ụzò Get out of the way

B. (acting like suffix) completely

-tichapù

beat off entirely

-lipù

eat up

-pù 2.

snatch; take by force

òpùpù

snatching; taking by force:

Ọ chòlù ịpù yà akwụkwọ yā He wants to take his book (from

his hands) by force

-pùlụ

snatch from; wrench from; take from by force

-pùmalụ

snatch, wrench from; take by force:

Ndị orī apùmalụgo Āda egō ya The thieves have snatched

Ada's money from her

-pùnalụ

snatch

mpùm

robbery with violence

ndị mpùm

highwaymen; robbers; bandits

-pù 3.

be able, sufficient:

Apùlù m ijī igwè je ọgụ maìl ìsiì n’ụbòsìI can go 120 miles

on a bicycle in one day:

Jesù pùlù ịgbāpùtà ànyì n’orù Jesus can redeem us from

slavery

-pù imē

be able to do:

Apùlù m imē ya I am able to do it

-pù(lụ) òkò

be able

apù imē

inability to do; impossibility

-ra 1. (also -ralụ)

A. choose; prefer

B. pick or take a few things randomly from collection of many

by dipping the hand into the container (like dipping the hand

into a basketful of kernels and taking some kernels):

Achòlù m ịrālụ ọnwà n’ime àchìcha dī n’ime afele I want to

take some from among the biscuits on the plate

-ra anwū

A. take honey from the comb (after driving away the bees)

B. (fig.) cause great trouble or hardship

-ranye

take, with hands, a few from among many (e.g. grains in a

basket) and give

-ranye ijè

pick one's way; move on slowly; step; toddle (as child)

-ra + 2.

comb

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òrịra

combing

-ra isi

comb (hair of head)

-ra ǹra

comb with comb

ǹra

comb

-ra + 3.

knead

-ra nni

knead pounded food in plate or mortar, etc.

-ra + 4.

make; produce (rain)

-ra mmilī

make, produce rain

òra mmili

rain-maker:

Ndi ilō ānyî chòlù ịrā mmilī taà ijī wèe mebì egwu ānyị nà-

àchọ ibū pùtà taàtà Our enemies want to make it rain today

in order to spoil the dance we are launching today

-ra + 5.

consider; discuss

-ra alò

consider; take counsel, consult together; advise

-ralụ alò

consider; take counsel; counsel; consult together; advise

-ranye alò

advise; give advice:

Achòlù m onye gā-aranye m alò bànyelụ ịfe m gà-ème onye

nā ada àbịa ebe à kwà anyàsì inyē nnwa m nsògbu I want

someone to advise me on what to do with the person who

comes here every night to trouble my child

-ra 6.

sound

òrịra

sounding

-ra ara

sound; make a stir, be a success:

Nkupùte nnwā Òfuèpeka ràlù àra ri nnē The naming

ceremony of Ofuepeka's child was a big occasion

-ra ọnū

sound:

Ìgba ǹke à nà-àra

This drum sounds great

ọnū ri nnē

-ra + 7.

send

-ra ìfulū

blossom; flower

-ra ozi

send on errand

-ra ụkò

send representative, ambassador, special messenger,

middleman

-ra + 8.

-ra nrā

pay levy, fine

-rà 1.

be equal, on an equality; be so

-rà ịrà

be equal

-ra kà

amount to; be equal to; be as big or small as:

Ọ rà kà ìze It is very large

-rà ǹràmanya,

be equal, level, square:

ǹràanya

Fa ìbùô rà ǹràmanya The two are equal:

Ife o nyēlụ gî rà kà ǹkè o nyēlụ m What he gave you is equal

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to what he game me

-rà ọnū

be equal

-rà 2.

leave; abandon; give up; release grip on; release; leave alone;

allow; permit:

Ndị àfè ojiī aràgo Āda The police have released Ada:

Ràa yā aka! Leave him alone!

-ràdà

pull down; let down from a height; lower

-ràfù

abandon; neglect; let go astray; allow too much liberty to (e.g.

a child, which leads it to be a trifle spoilt or wild)

-ràlụsị(lị)

leave altogether (to)

-rànye

A. lower into

B. leave; give up; hand over

-ràpù (= -rà, -ràlụ)

A. leave; abandon; give up; release grip on; release; leave

alone; allow; permit; omit; spare:

Bikō rapū m aka Please let me go, or, Please leave me alone:

Èjìòfọ sọò! sọò! Rapū m aka! Èjìòfọ sọò! sọò! Leave me

alone!:

Nwụnyì m ārapùgo m gbanaba My wife has left me and run

away:

Ebe à bù ebe ndị orī rāpùlù ife fa zùtèlù This is where the

thieves abandoned their loot

Rapù ife gālụ aga kà fa ga Let bygones be bygones

nrapù

abandonment

B. euphemism for 'die' (cf. -nwụ 1.); pass away:

Nwatā nō n’àkwà ọyà èri ụkā gālụ aga ārapùgo The child

who has been sick since last week has passed away

-rapù ọkwa

abdicate

-rà + 3.

bore (esp. with red-hot instrument)

-rà àrà

bore

-ràpu

bore hole (with red-hot instrument):

Anà m àchọ ịràpù akpàtì m I am preparing to bore a hole

through my box

-ràpusị

bore many holes through:

Anà m àkwadebe ịràpùsì ọkwa à nụū dī n’ime ụnò I am

preparing to bore many holes through that wooden bowl in the

house

-ràa

ext. suff. 3

only; simple; just:

Ọ bù sòọsò i nyēràa yā ife ọ chòlù kà okwu gà-èji bè It is

only if you give her what she wants that the quarrel will end:

I nyeràa m ife m chò òkwu ebèe If you just give me what I

want the quarrel will end

-ràba

ext. suff.

for long; after a long time (denoting a great degree either of

smallness or bigness)

304

-beràba

cry for a long time:

Nnē jù nà ya amā enye Āda nnī; Àda beràba akwā nnē

aŋārọ ya ntì Mother refused to give Ada some food; though

Ada cried for a long time, mother did not answer her

ò bụràba

even if:

Bikō nye m egō ò bụràba kọpò Please give me some money,

even a kobo

-re

pick up (of cloth, mats and other objects which are broad,

flexible and capable of being rolled up. Such an object is

assumed to be in its spread-out form; -re then implies rolling

and taking up, though the object can be picked up by one side

in its spread-out form without first rolling it. But the most

important point is that it must be spread out, otherwise -re

will not be used)

-rekọba

wrap; roll up

-rekọbà

roll up into

-relu

pick up (mat, cloth, etc.) and take

-reni

pick up (mat, etc.)

-rè

walk stealthily; move, walk, very slowly or lazily:

Ogè Èke nà òyì ya nwokē nà-àgba ìzù n’ime ụnò Àda rèlụ

rèlụ jee kwachanye n’àzụ ajā kà o wèe nụ ife fa nà-èkwu

When Eke and his friend were discussing things in the room,

Ada went stealthily and leaned against the back wall so that

she might hear what they were discussing

-rebìga

glide over

-règhalị

walk about stealthily; prowl; loiter; dodge work; malinger:

Ò gịnî kpàtàlù ibè gị jì àlụ ọlū ì bàta n’ụnò na-erèghalị?

Why are you hanging around the house while your colleagues

are busy working?

-rèpù

walk, creep out stealthily

-rèpù n’ọlụ

leave, abandon work stealthily, unnoticed or unannounced

-ri 1.

leak; be leaking:

Ìtè m nà-èri ēri My pot is leaking

-ri mmilī

leak; be leaking

-ri- 2.

clean, wipe off

-richa

wipe, clean off (e.g. dusty table with damp duster)

-richapù

cleanse; purify

-ripù

push back (gradually pushing object, e.g. on a table, till it falls

off it); wipe off

-ri + 3.

-rika

be much; be too much; be excessive

-ri nne, -ri nnē

be many, much, numerous, plentiful, abundant

èri ogè afù

it is a long time since:

Èri ogè afù ànyị afụnùrò We haven’t seen each other for a

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very long time

-rị 1.

walk (of insects)

-rị àrị

walk (of insects)

-rị āzụ

move back; flinch; be reluctant; hold back; fall back

-rịchìgha

move backwards (of insects); flow back, down (of water)

-rịrụka

move aside; push aside

-rị 2.

fill up (of healing sore, or receptacle being gradually filled

with water)

-rịchi

swell and fill (a receptacle); heal up (of wound)

-rịlị

A. swell; rise; puff out; increase in bulk (as dough)

B. heal; granulate (of wound)

-rị, -ri, -rụ, -ru

ext. suff. 1.

intensity, completeness of action (cf. -lụ 5.?)

-churu

fade; tarnish (stronger than -chu)

-feniri

fly up (with the idea of abruptness or suddenness):

Egbe m jèkò ịgbā egbè èfenirigo The hawk I was going to

shoot has flown away

-fùru

be lost:

Àda efùrugo Ada is lost

-mìri

dive deep

-nwụrụ

be dead:

Nkịtā m ànwụrụgo My dog is dead

-nyiri

stand up and go

-rì + 1.

A. mark; mark distinctively; put mark on in order to be able to

recognise the object marked in future

-rì amā

mark

-rìba amā

mark something; put a mark on

nrìba amā

mark; distinguishing mark

ife nrìba amā

a mark (placed on something in order to distinguish it from

the others or in order to be able to recognize it in future):

Achòlù m kà ànyị begbàdo ewu ānyị niīne ntì aka nnī kà ọ

bụlụ ife nrìba amā ijī wèe malụ ewu ānyị ebe ànyị àfùnà

ya I suggest that we cut off the right ear of each one of our

goats as a mark to enable us to recognize our goat wherever

we find it

B. remark; notice

-rì + 2.

cry out (and sob, hard); exclaim in astonishment

-rì akwa

cry out

-rì mkpu

cry out with exclamations of horror (e.g. as when a man

wakes one day and finds that burglars have removed almost

all his belongings during the night. He cries out to attract

attention)

-rì òkù

shout for

-rì- 3.

compress hard (e.g. the throat); choke; press firmly against

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-rìdo

choke; throttle

-rìlị

go aground

-rìnye

give up; hand over

-rì 4.

hurt internally, like pain from septic sore or rheumatic joint

-rìnyị

hurt

-rì 5.

heal; granulate (of wound)

-rì + 6.

v.:

-rì àrì

ferment (e.g. beans for making àkàlà)

-ro

root; uproot

-rogha

move; transplant

-roni

move; root up

-ro obì

migrate; go and live elsewhere

-ropù

move; root up; cast out; root out

-rò 1.

tell (story, usu. featuring songs)

-rò irò

tell story; tell story in which song features; tell tale, fable

-rò 2.

hang; be strangled

òrùrò

hanging; strangling

-rọ 1.

lift down (e.g. pot from the cooking tripod, after the food has

been cooked)

-rọpù

lift down (e.g. pot from tripod):

Rọpū ìtè ọ bụlụ nà nni eghègo Lift down the pot if the food

is done

-rọpùta

lift down and out (e.g. pot from the cooking tripod)

-rọtù

lift down

-rọ 2.

pinch (e.g. with nail, claw)

-rọ alụ

pain severely; throb

-rọ mbo

pinch, scratch with nails

-rọ 3.

infl. suff.

not (-rọò when in final position after non-low tone):

Ị bīarọziì You did not come at all/after all

Ọ bīanùrọ He has not yet come:

Ọ mārọò He doesn’t know

-rò 1.

choose; pick

òrùrò

choosing; picking:

Ànyî chòlù ịrò ndị gāje ịnòchì anya ānyị na nzùkọ echī We

want to choose those who are going to represent us in

tomorrow's meeting

-rò òtù

discriminate; choose group, society, club

-ròpùta

choose, pick out; ordain:

Rọpùta ndi gā-eje ịgbā bọòlù Pick out those who are going

to play football:

Rọpùta mkpụlụ akwū a gà-èbu je afīa Pick out the palm

nuts that will be taken to the market

-ròta

choose; choose and take; succeed in choosing the right one;

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make the right choice:

Aròtago m onye nwēlụ ike imē ife m chòlù I have got (after

going through a group) the person who is able to do my

bidding

-rò 2.

bruise; squeeze; mash:

Àdâ chòlù ịrò ònugbù a gà-èji te ofē n’anyàsì Ada wants to

squeeze the bitter leaves with which to prepare a soup in the

evening

-rọ-go

go up

-rọgo(lụ)

ascend; go up; climb:

Ogè Onye nwē anyị nà-àkwadebe ịrōgo n’enu igwē Ọ

kpōkòlù ụmū āzụ Ya ọnụ, nye fā nkasì obì When our Lord

was about to ascend into heaven He called His disciples

together and comforted them

-rọgota

climb up towards (the speaker):

Rògota n’ebe ànyị nò Come up where we are

-rọ-gò

twist; twist and bend:

Achòlù m ịrōgò aŋa a gà-èji kpā ǹkàtà I want to bend the

cane with which to make a basket

-rọgòba

coil

-ru 1.

pour; cast metal

òruru

pouring

-ru ajā

pour away sand

-rubà

pour in

-ruchanye

pour into (the object is assumed small and all is intended to be

poured into it at once)

-rufèga

pour over

-rufù

pour away, spill (of water):

Mmanya dī n’ime īko èrufùgo The wine in the cup has spilt

-rukpọ

gouge out (eye)

-rukwàsị

pour upon

-ru mmilī

pour out water

-ru nwamīli

urinate:

Anà m èje irū nwamīli I am going to urinate

-runye

pour into

-rupù

pour out; flow or flow out

-ru 2.

A. bend down; turn; change (for worse); stoop; influence;

respect; venerate

-ru alūsị

venerate divinities

-rube

bow; submit

-rube isi

incline the head; obey; submit, be loyal to; give respect to:

Afùlù m Ọjì n’anya màkà nà ọ nà-èrubelụ m isi I like Ọjị

because he obeys me:

308

Ọ nà-èrubelu ezè isi He is loyal to the king:

Nwokē afù anārọ èrubelu ndi ọchịchị isi The man gives no

respect to people in authority

-rudo

persuade; urge; compel

-rugò

bend; stoop

-rughalị

turn, bend round; change

-rukpùdo

turn upside down:

Bikō rukpùdo ọbà afù n’ànì, nà amārọ m ife nā-esì n’imē

ya Please turn that calabash upside down, for I don’t know

what is smelling in it

-rulu

stoop; remain stooped

-rulu ànì

stoop down

-ru mbì

lie in wait; set an ambush

-runata

stoop down a bit

-runata ànì

stoop down a bit

-rurùpù

draw away

B. be downcast; mourn

-ru ùru

mourn; be sorrowful, downcast; grieve

-ru ụjụ

mourn:

Ibè nà-èru ụjū Ibe is mourning

-ru 3.

rub on

-ru ufie

rub camwood on body

-ru 4.

grow (of tubers, e.g. yam):

Ji m kòlù n’ọnwa gālụ aga èbidogo irū The yam I planted

last month has started to grow a new tuber

-ru nne

grow (of tuber); grow to more than average size (of tuber)

-rù

flow (like a river)

-rùbà

flow into:

Òsìmìrì Naịjà nà-èrubà n’ime mmili nnū a nà-àkpọ

Àtlantìk The Niger River flows into an ocean called the

Atlantic

-rùchibìdo

flood:

Mmilī erūchìbìdogo ogbē ūfọdụ Some districts are flooded

-rùdà

run down (of water); flow down

-rùfèga

flow over

-rùfù

flow, run away

-rùghalị

flow; float; drift to and fro:

Mmilī nà-erùghalị n’ebe niīne na Mbà Mmīli Water flows

everywhere in the Rivers

-rùnye

flow into

-ru-be

ext. suff. 1.

around:

A chò m kà ụnù garube m òkìlìkili I want you (pl.) to form a

circle round me. (In imperative can sometimes be used

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without -be:

Tùru yā òkìlìkili Plant (things) around it)

-rù-be

ext. suff. 1.

(move about) thoroughly; vigorously

-kwerùbe

shake thoroughly

-marùbe

shake thoroughly

-ru-ka

see -rụ-ka

-rụ

roast

-rụdà

burn up (through roasting):

Gịnī kà ị nà-àrụ? Anà m àrụ jī What are you roasting? I am

roasting a yam

-rụ ọkụ

broil; roast; scald; burn (of live things)

-rù 1.

"price"; bargain:

Achòlù m ịrù akwā à ọnū I want to price this cloth

-rùdà

lower the price; price down

-rù ọnū

price; name a price for

-rù ụmā

charge, price more than right price

-rù 2.

shake; shiver

-rù agbọō

retch; make feel nausea; cause nausea:

Ọnya dī n’isi Āda nà-arū m agbọō The sore on Ada's head is

causing me nausea

-rù àrù

shake; shiver; shiver with cold

-rù lìlì, -rù lìlìlì

shiver; quiver:

Nwatā wūlụ mmili oyī nà-arū lìlìlì The child who washed

with cold water is shivering

-rùpù

untie; shake off; shake oneself free of

-rùrube

rumble (of thunder)

-rùrùpù

shake out, off

-rù ọnū

chatter with cold (of teeth)

-rù 3.

shout seriously at in order to scare off or to warn

-rùni

scare off

-rùrùpù

shout and thereby stop someone from doing something:

Arụrùpùgo m egbe ibū ọkụkù I shouted at the hawk and

prevented it carrying off the chicken

-rù 4.

blow (bellows)

-rù ekò

blow bellows

-rù 5.

perform routine or occasional obligation to a divinity, by

offering certain sacrifices to it; usually done by the head priest

of a particular divinity (sometimes propitiation for

appeasement)

-rù alūsị

serve a deity

-rù ànì

sacrifice to ground, regarded as deity

-rù mọọ, mọō

look after deities

-rụ-ka, -ru-ka

ext. suff. 1.

aside

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-buruka

move aside (something heavy)

-kpụrụka

drag, move to one side:

Kpùrụka ochē afù n’ụzò Drag that chair out of the way:

Gwa yā kà ọ kpụrụka m n’iru Tell him to get out of my

sight (lit. drag himself out of my sight)

-nòrụka

sit to one side:

Nòrụka n’ùsọ Sit to one side

-sa 1.

wash; scrub:

Anà m àsa afele I am washing plates

òsịsa

(act of) washing

afọ ōsịsa

dysentery

-sa ala

A. wash breasts, esp. of a newly-delivered mother, to induce

breast milk

B. artificially induce the breasts of a non-pregnant woman to

begin to produce milk by washing with a local medicine (see

ala 1.)

-sa àrụ

take a bath

-sacha

wash; scrub

-sachanye

wash and give:

Sàchanye m ofu afele Wash one plate and give it to me (i.e.

immediately)

-sachapù

wash; wash clean, off:

Jèe sachàpù inyi dī n’afele afù Go and wash the dirt off that

plate

-sachapùta

wash out; rinse out:

Sachàpùta īko à Rinse out this cup

-sachata

wash and bring

-sapù

wash out; (fig.) die out (of a family)

-sa- 2.

lap water (as dog)

-sala mmīli

lap water (as dog)

-sa + 3.

v.:

-sa ùla

go and sleep with a friend or relative away from one's home

-sa + 4.

v.:

-sa mbalā

be wide

-sa obodobo

be flat

-sa 5.

ext. suff. 1.

upon; at; over

-fesa

sprinkle over

-gbawụsa

pour, splash on:

Gịnî mè i jì gbawụsa yā mmili? Why did you splash water

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on her?

-sà 1.

A. open (hand, book, cloth, but not door)

-sà aka

open the hand:

Sàa akā gị Open your hand(s)

-sà akwụkwọ

open leaves of a book (looking for a particular page or

chapter):

Ọ nà-asà akwụkwọ He is opening the pages of a book

-sàchi

shut, close (usu. book)

-sàchi akwụkwọ

shut, close book:

Sàchizịa akwụkwọ afù nọòfụ It is high time you closed that

book!

-sàgbàpù

open wide (usu. book, cloth, etc.)

-sàghe

open; open wide (e.g. hand, mouth, book, but not door)

-sàghepù

open wide

-sànye

open and show another something; reveal to; initiate

-sàta

open page of book:

Sàta Abù Ọma isi ǹke īsiì Open at the Book of Psalms,

chapter six

B. spread (as result of something being opened)

-gbasà

scatter; disperse:

Ụkà àgbasàgo The service has ended (and people have gone

home)

-kwusà

say about; spread the news

-zisà

disseminate:

Ànyị nà èje izīsà Ozi Ọma We are going to spread the

Gospel

-sà 2.

answer; reply; excuse; retort; make one's defence

òsìsà

answering; replying; retorting; making one's defence

-sà ụsà

make excuse:

Gịnī bù ụsà ọ sàlù? What was his excuse? or, What excuse

did he give?

-sà +

v,:

-sà ùsà

pinch (bits of food, meat, etc., usually by children)

-sà + 4.

confess to crime, abomination, voluntarily, and sometimes

during delirium, semi-insanity, severe labour pains, etc.

-sà asìsà

confess evil while delirious or semi-insane (cf. -sà n’ọnū)

-sà ifì

This is a form of confession very similar to ịsà n’ọnū, but

restricted to women. This practice was known throughout

Igboland, but it was most common in the Òkịjà area. Some

people strictly forbid their wives' committing adultery with

other men. Women guilty of this offence usually confess to it,

mentioning the name(s) of the person(s) involved before they

can deliver a child safely. The practice is, however, very little

known in some parts of Igboland. (Among the Yoruba, it was

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most common among the Ìkalè-Òkìtìpupa, Ìlutuntun, Aye,

etc.)

-sà n’ọnū

confess voluntarily to crime, abomination, or other bad deeds.

This is common among habitual criminals and witches who

perpetrate their evil deeds in ways that make them difficult or

impossible of detection. Examples include those of witches

who suck people's blood till the victims are dead, or who fly

out at night in the form of spir spirits to visit and kill victims

and who sometimes claim to be responsible for grave disasters

like fatal accidents, deaths of great men, insanity of student

sons/daughters of rivals. Some criminals poison their rivals or

their children undetected or practise sorcery on them. These

criminal acts can go on till one day a perpetrator suddenly

runs amok or begins to behave in a not altogether normal way;

this is followed by his/her appeal to people in the

surroundings to gather and hear some revelations. This

disorderly "news conference" is usually attended by people of

all ages with keen interest. The venue is not specially

arranged, but the confessor usually sits in front of a house, in

a public place like a round-about, market place, or side of a

street. The confession usually goes thus: "Do you know why it

took the son of Mr. X twelve years to accomplish his

university course which should normally take only three

years? I am the one who kept sucking his brain and seeing to

it that he failed his examination each time. I was the one who

killed my first daughter last year when she died during labour.

I warned Mr. Z not to buy a new car but to try to make his

bicycle do. He ignored my warning and bought the car. He did

not know he was doomed by doing this. It was on the

occasion of the wedding of his sister he got into the car and

began to ride to the Church, but on the way I slapped him and

pushed his car to make it crash into that bridge near the

Church, tumbling into the river. He, his mother-in-law and the

new car met their end that fateful morning. My listeners, I

hope the event is still fresh in your memories". A confessor is

sometimes given a white fowl which she/he holds during the

confession. A confessor usually dies soon after the confession,

though some survive.

saà

int.

exclamation of displeasure; Shut up! Be quiet!

saì!

int.

exclamation to scare away dogs pilfering or disturbing one:

Nkịtāà nụ, saì! You dog, be off!

sam

beauty; attractiveness; fitness; eligibility:

Àfè nwaànyì afù yì dì sam The woman looked fine in that

dress

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sambà

frame-drum, flat square drum (cf. Yoruba)

sannò

num.

nine (arch., cf. ìtènaānị):

Madū nō n’ime ụnò akwụkwô dì sannò The people in the

school are nine

-se 1.

float

-secha

skim (oil, etc.)

-se ese

float

-se n’enū

float:

A fùlù ozu nwokē a nà-àchọ èri ụkā gālụ aga kà o sè n’enu

mmīli n’ùtụtū à The corpse of the man who had been missing

since last week was seen floating on the river this morning

-sè 1.

A. draw; pull; stretch

òsìsè

convulsions

-sèchìgha

draw back; withdraw

-sè èsè

pull; draw

-sègba

form a train; go on; go forward; push along; extend to:

Achòlù m kà i sègbaa ōwụwa ànì afù ị nà-àwa kà o rute

n’iru ụnō ānyị I want you to extend the trench you are

digging to reach the front of our house

-sèka

pull asunder; tear:

Ì nà-àchọ isèkà akwụkwọ m? Are you going to tear my

book?

-sèka akwụkwọ

dismiss a case (lit. tear papers)

-sèkọba

contract in size

-sèkọnata

pull together; pull together to the centre

-sèkpụ

carry in hand by handle (e.g. bag, bucket)

-sèkpụni

lift up; drag up:

Ọ chòlù isèkpùnì nwatā dālụ adà She wants to pull up the

child who has fallen down

-sèkpụnye

drag into; drag to:

Sèkpụnye m nwa m Give me my child (i.e. Pull my child by

the hand and hand her over to me)

-sèkpụpù

draw away forcibly; drag away:

Sekpùpù nwatà afū nà-atatò ọnū ilo Drag that jabbering boy

out

-sèli òkụkù

steal fowls (habitually, mainly for eating) (lit. draw and eat)

-sèlụ

pull, draw to oneself

-sènita

draw up, lift up

sè okwu

quarrel (lit. draw words):

Mụ nà Èjìòfọ nà-esè okwū Ejiọfọ and myself are quarrelling

èsèmokwu

quarrel; dispute

-sèpùta

draw out (as bucket from well):

Isēpùtà ìtè n’ime ūmị adịrō ọlụ To pull a pot out from the

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well is not difficult

-sèsà

draw apart; scatter; spread about; litter; tear by pulling:

Jèe sesàa ụmù akā nā-anū ògù Go and separate (or pull

apart) the children who are fighting

-sètị

stretch

-sètịpù

stretch out:

Setìpù akā gị Stretch out your hand

-sètịpù ijè

embark, continue, on a journey

-sètịwanye

widen by stretching; stretch further

-sètọ

tear by pulling:

Ọ nà-àchọ isètò elili e jìlì ke ngwùgwù afù He wants to

break (by pulling) the rope used in tying the parcel

-sètù

drag down; pull down:

Òfô jìlì iwe setù nwa nnē ya n’enu obē, nwa nnē ya dàa

tijie ōfu akā Ọfọ angrily pulled down his brother from the

ladder, his brother fell and fractured one arm

-sè ụtịlī

stretch oneself (as sometimes done when yawning or during

exhaustion or idleness)

-sèwa

tear; pull asunder; tear apart:

Sèwaa yā ìbụō Tear it into two

B. draw on (cigarette, etc.)

-sè anwụlù (ùtabà)

smoke tobacco

-sè òkù

smoke pipe

-sè sìga

smoke cigarette:

Èjìma adī esē sìga Ejima does not smoke

C. stir (e.g. with rod in thickening food)

-sè nni

stir food (like preparation of pap)

-sè ògbàdụ

prepare corn meal, i.e. pap, which begins as white watery

fluid, then thickens gradually as it becomes more heated,

becoming very thick towards the end of the cooking. The

cook keeps on stirring it throughout the cooking

-sè2.

A. draw (e.g. diagram)

òsìsè

drawing (of diagram); photographing

-sè èsè

sketch

B. photograph; flash (of lightning); reflect flashing light (of

mirror)

-sè àmùmà

flash; lighten; show lightning

-sè èsè

photograph

-sèlụ (ife)

reflect, photograph (an object)

-se-kpù

crouch; kneel down

-sekpùlu ànì

worship; bow, kneel down; give honour to

sepànịpà

a weak person who struggles in vain to beat a stronger

opponent

315

-shọ +

(dialectal form of -fịọ):

-shọ ùzù

quarrel noisily = -tụ ùzù

shọòshọò

see fịòfịò

-si 1.

cook; boil:

Èjìma nà-èsi jī Ejima is cooking yam

-si ìtè

cook; boil

òsi ìtè

metal cooking tripod; cook

-siji

dye; dye black

-si 2.

A. pass by way of; pass:

Àchọrō m kà i si ụzō à I don’t want you to pass this way:

Ǹkaà bù ụzò e sì èje Nneēwi This is the way leading to

Nneewi. (Lit

by which people go to Nneewi

-sifìè

pass the wrong way; miss road, way

-sifìè ụzò

miss road, way

B. come from:

Ji esīzi n’isi pu ò si n’ọdù pu If yam does not bring out a

shoot from the head, it brings it through the tail

-si bịa

come from; come by way of:

Èbeē kà onye dibìà gà-èsi bịa? Where is the doctor going to

come from?

Ǹkaà bù nwatà nwokē si ụnò bịa ọfụū This is the boy who

came from home recently, or who has just come from home

-si nà

A. go, come, from (nà sometimes omitted):

Achòlù m isī Ìbàdàn naa ụnò I want to go home through

Ibadan (nà omitted):

O sì n’ụla naa mmōọ He died in his sleep (lit. He went from

sleep to the ancestors)

B. (fig.) come as a result of:

Ògàniiru nà-èsi n’iru ọma Success depends on luck (lit.

Success comes from luck)

-site

take, come through, by:

Ụzō à kà m sìtèlù bịa This is the road I took to come

site nà

from; through:

Site n’okwu o kwulu kà m jìlì malụ nà egwù nà-àtụ yā

From what he said, I knew he was afraid

-si + 3.

v.:

-si ike

be strong, firm, difficult, hard

-sika ike

be very, too, strong, difficult:

Ọlụ afù èsika ikē The work is very difficult

-si òbò

be lazy, idle

-si ọnwụ

persist; be obstinate in desperation or in last desperate effort

(by sufferer) before or to prevent death

-jesi ijè ike

to go fast

316

-jìdesi ike

hold firmly:

Jìdesie yā ike Hold him firmly

-jìsi ike

A. put more effort; persevere; maintain effort; hold firmly:

Ọyà afù jìsìlì yà ike He is seriously ill (lit. He is firmly held

by that illness)

B. form of greeting to person travelling, working or going for

an examination, meaning farewell or struggle hard, etc.:

Jìsie ikē

struggle hard, or persevere (used as greeting to someone

working, travelling, etc.)

-lụsi ọlụ ike

work hard, energetically:

Lùsie ọlū gị ike Do your work energetically

-mesi ike

do energetically

Mèsie ife afù ị nà-ème ikē Do that thing you are doing

energetically

-tisi ike

beat hard:

Àchọrō m itīsi ya ike I don’t want to beat it hard

-si + 4.

set (like trap)

-si ọnyà

set trap

-si + 5.

v.:

-sikwụ

compare; contrast; think about; consider; criticise:

Achòlù m ijī òkè m sikwụ ǹkè gị kà m wèe malụ ǹke kā ibè

ya I want to compare your share with mine to know which is

greater (placing them side by side)

-si ngọ

doubt; doubt obstinately

òsi ngọ

doubter

-si 6.

hurt; pain; scorch; wither

-sinwụ

scorch; wither; have pins and needles; be numb; be half-dead:

Akwụkwọ nnī m gotalụ n’ùtụtù àsinwụgo The vegetables I

bought this morning have withered

-siwa

hurt severely

-siwasị

hurt severely:

Isi nà-èsiwasị m I have a severe headache

-sinwụba

look dejected; scowl:

Kèdụ ife mēlụ i jìlì sinwụba irū? Why are you looking

dejected?

-sì 1.

smell; stink; give scent:

Ò gịnī nà-esì What is smelling?

-sì isì

smell; stink; give scent:

Ntì gị nà-esì isì Your ear is smelling

-sì 2.

weigh

òsìsì

weighing

-sìne

compare; weigh a word

-sì ụkwụ

mark a footprint

317

-sì 3.

be tough in constitution; hard

-sì anya

be bold, capable of withstanding hardship, courageous

-sì àrụ

be very tough (of person) (i.e. have very tough constitution or

body that withstands great hardship, sometimes naturally or

through repeated hard experience)

-fụsì anya

have hard experience:

Afūsìgo m anya! I have suffered a terrible experience or,

What a terrible experience I have suffered!

-gbasì

toughen

sisì

five kobo; sixpence (E. six(pence))

-sị 1.

say; tell:

Ọ sì nà ya amā abịa He said that she wouldn’t come

-sị àsị

lie; tell lies:

Ị na-àsị āsị You are lying

Ịsī asị nà-èbutù mmadù Lying degrades a person

-sị àsìlì

gossip

-sị òsiālị

bear witness

onye ōsiālị

the witness

àsìlì

gossip

onye àsìlì

gossip(er)

a sị nà

if; suppose; supposing that

asìsà

involuntary confession while delirious or with mind

wandering

-sị 2.

ext. suff. 1.

completely; totally

-bòkasị

divide into pieces

-gbasị

run out

-gwesị

pound all

-gwụsị, -gụsị

finish; complete:

Ọ gà-àgwụsị echī It will finish tomorrow

-kpàchasị

cut, shave, entirely

-mesị

finish

emesịa

afterwards:

Ọ gà-àdị mmā n’èmesịa It will be good at last, afterwards

o mesịa

afterwards:

O mèsìàlù bịa bē m She came to my house at last

o mesịzịa

afterwards; eventually

-nwosị

pluck off

-sị 3.

ext. suff. 1.

about (restricted to verbs ending in -sà 1. B.)

-bọsàsị

scatter about

-busàsị

scatter about in heaps

sìga

cigarette (E.)

-sè sìga

smoke cigarette

sịò

int.

exclamation of anger, disgust:

318

Sịò! Ifelē mèe gī Fie! Shame on you!

Sịò! Ọ sòlù oyī Ooh! It is ugly!

-sịsị

ext. suff. 1.

continually:

Mkpụlụ akwū nà-adàsịsị Palm nuts keep on falling:

Mmilī nà-àtụsịsị Water is dripping (continuously)

sịsò

see sò

-so 1.

grow; be long, tall

-so esuso

form boil, abscess

-sonita

grow up

-so ogonogo

be tall, long:

Nnwoke afù èsoka ogonogo The man is very tall

-sopùta

grow up; be of age

-so ùso

grow; be long, tall (of living thing)

-sowanye

increase in length, height, growth, age (of growing thing or

youth)

-so 2.

sharpen:

Ọ nà-èso mmà She is sharpening a knife

-so mmà

sharpen knife, matchet

-sò

A. follow; accompany; go with:

Achòlù m isò gì na I want to go (home) with you

-sòchi n’àzụ

follow immediately after:

Sòchie m n’àzụ Follow immediately behind me

-sòchi ibè n’àzụ

A. walk in single file

B. follow immediately behind or after companions

-sògbu

trouble; vex; persecute

nsògbu

trouble; affliction; worry

-nye nsògbu

trouble; vex; persecute

onye nsògbu

persecutor; troubler; vexer

-sògwa

mix with (e.g. in a walk):

Atụlū adī esògwalụ efī Sheep never move about with cattle

-sò ǹdùmọọdụ

follow advice:

Bikō, sòlu ǹdùmọọdụ m Please, follow my advice

-sòni

following (e.g. day, etc.):

Àda gà-àbịa ụbòsì ụkà mà mụ nwà gà-àna ụbòsị nā-esòni

yā Ada will come on Sunday but I shall go the following day

-sò n’òfu

be of the same age

-sò n’ùsòlò

be in order, procession:

Achòlù m kà ụnū sòo n’ùsòlò I want you to form a

procession, or, get into single file

-sònye

join in (e.g. a stroll or walk)

-sònyelụ

accompany

-sò ụkpụlū

take after, resemble ancestor (in behaviour):

Ụmū Ìbè niīne nà-èzugbàdo orī, fa nà-esò ụkpụlū nnà nnà

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fa All of Ibè's children are thieves, they take after their

grandfather

B. take part in; be a member of:

Enyì m sò na ndi isi ōde ākwụkwọ My friend is one of the

leading writers

C. with (acting like suffix)

-gwusò egwu

play with someone

-nụsò

war against

-sọ 1.

be pleasant, sweet; please; like; appeal to:

Ife nwaàyì afù sòlù m The woman attracts me

-sọ amụ

make laugh; please; amuse; delight; be funny

-sọ ùsọ

be pleasant, sweet; please

-sọ 2.

A. avoid (out of respect); honour; revere:

A sọọ ịpīa nwatà ìtàlì è mebìe yā Spare the rod and spoil the

child

-sọ anya

respect person, show favouritism; refrain from doing

something because of respect for someone present

-sọpù

honour (by standing aside)

-sọpùlụ

honour; revere; give way to; respect:

Ọ nà-àsọpùlụ m dị kà nnwa He behaves like a son to me

nsọpùlụ

respect; honour

-sọrụka

honour (by standing or bending aside)

asō anya

disregard for status or presence; impartiality; fairness in

judgement; disrespect

B. avoid (out of disgust); abhor; shun; be beware of

-sọ oyi, oyī

abhor; disgust; be ugly to; be ugly (e.g. faeces or ulcer):

Ọnya dī gị n’ụkwụ nà-àsọ m oyī The ulcer on your leg

disgusts me

C. forbid; be taboo:

Ndi Nneēwi nà-àsọ ewī nsọ The giant rat is taboo to the

people of Nneewi (lit. The people of Nneēwi forbid the giant

rat)

-sọ nsọ

separate; set apart; regard as taboo

ife nsō

forbidden thing

-sọ 3.

precede; be next before; be older than:

Asòlù m Ònyeēnwe I am older than Onyeenwe

-sọ 4.

push; poke

-sọ gànàgànà

stagger

-sọkwù

be foolish, awkward

nsọkwù

foolishness; awkwardness

-sọ ìsì

grope; walk as though blind

-sọ mpì

butt with the horns; compete:

Ànyî jèkò ịsō mpì na Ọka We are going to compete (for a

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competition) at Ọka

-sọ ǹgòǹgò

stagger; stumble:

Ọ bụlụ nà òfu mkpịsị akā gị gà-àkpatalụ gī ịsō ǹgòǹgò

bepū yā If one of your fingers causes you to stumble, cut it

off

-sọpị

be tapering

-sọtù

push down (e.g. with hoofs)

-sọ 5.

(òsụsọō)

see -su + 4.

sò, sòọsò, sịsò

only:

Ọ bù sò m^nò n’ebe à I am the only one here:

Kpòta sò ya Bring him alone:

Ọ bù sòọsò òfu ochē dị n’ebe a gà-anò me nzùkọ There is

only one chair in the place where the meeting is going to take

place:

Sòọsò Chinēkè Nnà pùlù ịzōpùtà ànyị n’aka ndi ilō Only

God the Father can save us from the hands of the enemy

sò òfu

only one; one only

sò òfu nje

only once

sò òfu ùgbòlò

only once

sòọsò ya

only him/her/it

-fọ sò ọkpụkpụ

be very emaciated

sọò!

int.

A. exclamation adding emphasis:

Dàalụ sọò Oh, thank you!:

Wèta yā n’-ebe à sọò Bring it here, please!:

Nòdụnụ ànì sọò Do sit down (addressing more than one

person):

Nòdụ ànì sọò Do sit down (to one person)

Ọ bù ezi okwū sọò It is true, really!

B. exclamation of anger, used when someone has been

worried by someone else to the point of exhaustion and now

asks to be left in peace

Rapū m sọò, jèbe sọò Please leave me alone, you are free to

sòọsò

see sò

-su 1.

A. pound (dry object

-sucha

thresh (e.g. rice)

B. box, beat, strike, hit (hard)

-su ekwe

beat wooden drum

-su imi

wrinkle nose in direction of person in disdain or to show

snobbery (usually not allowing the victim to know, but

allowing others around to know):

Agà m àma onye ōbụnā gā-esu nwa nnē m imi ōla màkà nà

ọ mērọ alū I would slap anyone who wrinkled his nose at my

brother because he did not commit an abomination

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-su òkpọ

box; strike with fist

C. touch lightly (e.g. with mouth, tip of tail, etc.)

-susù ọnū

kiss:

Ọjì nà-èsusù nwụnyè ya ọnū Ọjị is kissing his wife

-sutụ ọnū

touch slightly with mouth; kiss

-su + 2.

burn; destroy by burning; set fire to

-sukpọ

burn up

-sule

burn

-su ọkụ

set on fire; burn; set alight:

Ì nà-àchọ isū ụnò ọkụ? Do you want to set the house on fire?

-su + 3.

dip (e.g. morsel of food in soup, piece of yam in stew or oil)

-suli

dip food in soup or stew and eat

-sulu

take piece of yam, etc., from among many and eat; take stew

or soup with morsel or piece of food

nsulu

a sop; dipping into (soup, etc.)

-su, -sọ + 4.

v.:

-su òsụsọō

sweat; perspire; cause perspiration:

Àfe à m yì nà-èsu m òsụsọō This shirt I'm wearing is making

me sweat

susu, suso

see èsusu

-sụ 1.

pound (soft objects, e.g. fufu, pounded yam; cf. -su 1.)

òsụsụ

pounding

-sụ ji

pound yam

-sụkpọ

destroy; beat to powder

-sụ + 2.

-sụ asùsụ

speak language, tongue, dialect

-sụghalị asùsụ

interpret language (lit. change language)

-sụ Ìgbò

speak Igbo:

Abù m onye Ìgbò mà amārọ m àsụ Ìgbò I am an Igbo man

but I don’t know how to speak Igbo

-sụ ǹsụ

stammer; stutter:

Ọ nà-àsụ nsụ He stammers

-sụ 3.

boil; begin to boil; sing (of kettle on cooker):

Ejì m aka nà nni afù gà-àsụ tupu elekele isiì I am sure the

food will boil before six o'clock

òsụsụ

boiling; fermentation

-sụ pùm

bubble (of boiling thick liquids like hot pap, thick soup, and

cornflour. The force of rising steam leaves holes which

quickly close up, making sounds pùm pùm pùm)

-sụ ùfụfù

froth; foam

-sụ 4.

cut, clear (bush, forest); weed

òsụsụ

cutting; clearing (bush, forest); weeding

ọsụsụ ànì

cutting, clearing bush preparatory to farming

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-sụcha

clear away weeds or bush; weed; deforest

-sụ ọfịa

cut bush

-sụ ugbō

weed farm

-sụ ụzò

cut road, path, way

-sụ + 5.

-sụ akwà

wash clothes:

Anà m àsụ akwà

I am washing some clothes

-sụ 6.

(ǹgòngò)

see -sọ 4.

-sù 1.

grunt; make sound like lorry, automobile or other powered

vehicle, machine, etc.

-sù àsù

make sound like vehicle or machine

-sù iwe

sulk

-sù mbimbi akwā

sob

-sù òsùsù

A. make grunts or sounds like lorry or powered machines,

automobiles

B. leave part of a conversation unspoken, hum and haw:

Adā m àchọ kà mụ nà onye nā-abụ ọ na-èkwu okwū ò na-

asù òsùsù kpaa nkàta màkà nà onye nā-abụ ọ na-èkwu

okwū ò na-asù bù onye aghùghò I never like to converse

with a person who is in the habit of humming and hawing

during a conversation because a person who hums and haws is

planning something bad

-sù udè

make low groan; grunt (e.g. as seriously ill person, animals)

-sù ùdù

beat ùdù pot (for music)

afọ òsùsù, afọ ōzịza

flatulence; distended stomach; rumbling stomach

-sù + 2.

stab; pierce with the end or point of (e.g. rod, spear, spike,

etc.):

Ọ chòlù ịsù m mbàzù He wants to stab me with a digging-

stick

-sùgbu

stab to death

-sù isi n’ànì

fall headlong; throw oneself headlong:

Onye iwe nà-èwe sùa isī n’ànì kà a malụ nà iwe obì nà-èwe

yā Let whoever is annoyed (or angry) put his head on the

ground to prove that he is annoyed (lit

so that people may

know that anger is burning in his heart)

-sù mmà

stab

-sù n’ànì

thump on the ground; set down heavily

-sùnye

thrust into; plunge into

-sù òfọ

knock the stick representing the god of justice (òfọ) on the

ground

-sù ubè

thrust, stab with spear

-sù 3.

compress; shorten; be short

òsùsù

compressing; reduction

-sù àkàkpò

be stunted in growth (= -dà àkàkpò)

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-sù àsù

shrink back

-sù egbè

load gun:

Anà m asù egbè I am loading a gun

-sùpù

unload (a gun)

-sù 4.

wear (clothes)

-sùlụ ìchàfò

put on head-tie

(ichàfù) n’isi

-sù + 5.

v.:

-sù afịa

flood the market (of excess commodity); (fig.) of a person, be

useless

-sù + 6.

v.:

-sù nsọ

lift a taboo

-sùpù

ostracize; excommunicate

nsụpù

ostracism; excommunication

-ta 1.

chew; bite; gnaw

òtịta

chewing; biting; gnawing

-ta afịfịa

eat grass (of cow)

-ta afụfụ

suffer:

Ị gà-àta afụfụ n’òdìniiru ọ bụlụ nà ị rāpùrò ajọ òmùme gī

You will suffer in future if you do not abandon your bad

behaviour

-ta akpụkpa

cause crawcraw

-ta alụ

bite:

Agà m àta gī alụ ọ bụlụ nà ị rāpùrò m I shall bite you if you

don’t leave me alone

-ta amōosu

be a witch; practise witchcraft (cf. -li amōosu and -ta mbili)

-ta àrụ

get thin; be emaciated:

Onwụūkâ tàlù àrụ Onwụụka is emaciated

-ta ata

A. chew; bite; munch; gnaw

B. lessen, dry up (of liquids, floods, etc.)

-tabè

bite off:

Nkịtā alā atabègo Ibè òfu mkpịsị akā A mad dog has bitten

off one of Ibe's fingers

-tabè anya

wink (lit. bite eye)

ntabè anyā

twinkling of an eye:

Mèe ife afù n’òfu ntabè anyā Do that thing in the twinkling

of an eye

-tabèlisị

devour

-tabèsị

bite off all

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-tachapù ezē

grin

-tachapùta ezē

(colloq.) smile; laugh

-tachi

be firm, obstinate

-tachi obì

bear up; endure

ntachi obì

endurance

-tadide

stick; be firm

aka ntadide

stinginess

-tado

bite fast; fasten to; fasten together; make firm, tight

ntado

steadfastness; sticking very fast; biting and holding on to

-me ntado

be tight (e.g. of under-sized shirt, etc.):

Àfe à mèlù m ntado This shirt is too tight for me

-tagbàdo

chew, gnaw everything or the whole of the object (of ants,

rats, etc.)

-tagwò

break (breakable thing like fruits, nuts, biscuits, etc.) with

teeth:

Bikō tagwòolụ m ụkpā à Please break this "walnut" for me

with your teeth

-tagwu

eat away

-ta ìkekele ezē

grind teeth. This is habitual with some old men who at leisure

or while lonely grind their teeth - the molars producing a

characteristic sound:

Nnà m ochìè nà-àtaba ìkekele ezē My grandfather usually

grinds his teeth

-ta ịta

win stakes in a game

-takasị

gnaw, eat up (clothing, paper, etc., as of rats, ants, etc.):

Àkịkà àtakasịgo akwụkwọ m dēbelụ n’ime akpàti dī n’ime

ụnò Termites have eaten up the books I kept in the box in the

room

-takụ

stick to (of sticky substance)

-takwo

bite off prematurely eat or chew unripe fruit; bite off:

Agū nà-àtakwo mangō ācharō acha Agụ is eating unripe

mango

-takwosị

eat something unripe

-ta nni

graze (of animals)

-ta ọjị

eat kolanut:

Ǹkịtā adā àta ọjī Dogs never eat kolanuts

ndi ōta ōjị

nickname used by Igbo to describe Yoruba

-ta ụza

chew the cud

-akpụkpa (-ta)

have crawcraw

-ta 2.

dry, dry up (of stream, etc.)

-ta akụ

be dried, without juice, non-succulent (of fruits or tubers)

-tachi

dry up (of water)

-tadà

subside (of flood, etc.)

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-takọ(lụ)

dry up

-ta obì mmīli

be callous, wicked, determined

-ta + 3.

v.:

-ta ụta

blame:

A gà-àta gī ụta You will be blamed

-ta + 4.

v.:

-ta nchāla

be rusty:

Ǹgàjì ị rāpùlù n’ìlo ǹnyàafù ogè mmilī nà-ezò àtago nchāla

The spoon you left outside yesterday when it was raining has

become rusty

-ta + 5.

v.:

-tamù

mutter; murmur; grumble

-ta ụjalā

A. chirp; cry as a child; utter a peculiar call

B. make a loud outcry

-ta 5., -te

ext. suff. 1.

A. towards (very freely used with verbs of motion

-bàta

come in

-bịakète

come nearer:

Gwa yā kà ọ bịakète Tell him to come nearer

-mete

waken; rouse

-wèta

bring:

Wèta jī Bring yams

-zụpùta

train; see through:

A zūpùtago yā nà Yunivasitìì Someone has seen him

through the University

B. (fig.) to one's advantage

-fụchata

be inquisitive, nosy:

Achò m kà ị fụtalụ m nwaànyị dī mmā I want you to help

me find a good woman (i.e. with intention to follow up the

information gained)

-fụta

find

-kèta

get a share:

O kètàlụ òlòma ītọ He got three oranges (as his share)

C. to a fair extent; thoroughly; well

-kata

be stronger or increase in strength (e.g. of growing thing):

Ọ kātago ārụ He is now stronger

-kwute

speak well:

Ọ nà-èkwute okwū He is a good speaker

E. used in expression of form verb + -ta + noun + ọnū,

denoting great ability to, much, a high degree of:

Ọ nà-èkwute okwū ọnū ya She is an eloquent speaker:

Ọ màtà(lù) mmā ọnū ya She is extremely beautiful

tà 1., ta

(to)day. Basic tone appears to be low, being raised to high

before another low tone, so that *tà à becomes ta à. But it is

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high (a) after a low-tone verb form, (b) when said alone as

answer to a question:

Ọ gà-àbịa tà She will come today:

Amārọ m ife gā-eme n’ụbòchị tà I don’t know what will

happen this day (today:

Ọ nwùlù ta It died today

ta à bù àtọ

day before yesterday (lit. today is three):

Nwaàmàlùbịâ bìàlù ebe à ta à bù àtọ Nwaamalụbịa came

here the day before yesterday

ta à bù ànọ

A. three days ago (lit. today is four)

B. the fourth time

tà a dìnụ, tà a dìnị, ta à dìnwọò (arch.) today (lit. today it

is):

I gà-ètigbu m tà a dìnụ! You will beat me to death today!

ta à nị

today

ta à tà

(usually written taàtà) today:

Ọ gà-àbịa àbànì ìtọ taàtà (or ta à) She will come in three

days' time:

Afùlù m nyà taàtà I saw her today

-tà + 2.

narrate; explain; report; interpret (e.g. a vision)

-tà ịtà

narrate a fable

taà!

int.

exclamation of anger; shut up!

taà(tà), ta à(tà)

see tà 1.

tanjele

see òtanjele

-te 1.

rub; smear; paint; anoint; coat

òtite

rubbing; smearing; painting; anointing; coating

-te ajā

rub, smoothe wet wall; paint wall

-te imi

rub, coat, coat with mucus

-tekpù

paint over; distemper

-telà

level; rub flat, straight, smooth

ntelà

levelling

-telà ètelà

be level, flat, straight, smooth

-te mmanụ

anoint with oil; paint, coat, smear with oil

-tepù

complete or finish with the painting of

-te ùde

anoint; rub with oil, pomade, ointment

-te ùle

disgrace; put to shame; abase:

Àdâ yì nọō ọmalịcha akwā gālalụ ọnū kamà nà akpụkpọ

ụkwū o yì tèlù yà ùle Ada really wore a very smart,

expensive dress, but the shoes she had on were a disgrace to

her

-te ụnò

plaster a house; rub, smoothe, wet, walls of a mud house:

Òfọ nà-ète ụnò ya taàtà Ọfọ is plastering his house today

-te 2.

tap (palms for wine)

327

-te nkwụ

tap palmtree for wine

-te 3.

prepare (soup)

-teghalị ofe

stir soup

-te ofe

make soup, broth, stew, palmoil chop

-te + 4.

be flexible; move in a flexible way

-te egwu

dance

-te ète

be flexible

-te ụkwụ

limp

-te + 5.:

-te imē

abort

-tè +

v.:

-tè aka

be distant, far, afar off; be long (in time), remote:

Isī Port Harcourt je Lagos tèlù nnukwu akā To travel from

Port Harcourt to Lagos is very far

n’òtè aka

afar off; at a distance; long ago

tebùlù

table (E.)

teghete, ìteghete

num.

nine (cf. ìtènaānị)

-te-pù

bulge, be distended (like the abdomen of a patient suffering

from ascites, an overfed child, or a pregnant woman)

-tepùbe

be distended, bulging

-tepùbe afọ

have a bulging, distended abdomen:

Nèe kà o sì tepùbe afō kà nwaànyị dī ime See how his

abdomen is distended like that of a pregnant woman

-tepùlu

be distended, bulging

-tepùlu afọ

have distended abdomen:

Ọjì lifèlù nni okè, tepùlu afō kà onye tōlụ afọ Ọjị was

overfed and had a distended abdomen

-te-ta

wake up; awake

nteta

waking up

-teta n’ụla

wake from sleep:

Achòlù m itēta n’ụla n’ife dī kà elekele īsiì. Bikō kpòtee m

ogè afù ọ bụlụ nà m nòlìlì n’ụla I intend to wake from sleep

about 6 o'clock. Please wake me if I am still sleeping then

-ti 1.

beat; hit; strike

òtiti

beating; hitting; striking

-ti aka

strike, beat, with hand

-tibo

break off with blow; remove part of with blow (walls, and

similar objects like ant-hill, mud pillar, mud seat, etc.)

-tibo ajā

remove part of wall with blow:

Akwụ e gbūlu n’àzụ ụnò n’ùtụtū à tìbòlù aja āzụ ụnò The

palm-fruit that was cut at the back of the house this morning

broke off part of the wall at the back of the compound

-ticha

A. shake off (e.g. dust or sand) by beating the surface with

328

palm of the hand

B. thresh

-tichapù

shake off, beat off, entirely (e.g. dust or sand with palm of the

hand):

Tichàpù aja dī n’enu oche nnī Brush off the sand which is

on the table

-tidà

knock down

-ti ekpè, egwè

make low mud wall, usually in the farm, to mark boundary

and/or check erosion

-tigbu

strike, beat, to death; smite down to death; beat excessively:

E tīgbugo nkịtā alā The mad dog has been beaten to death:

Nwannē m gà-ètigbu m taàtà My brother will beat me hard

today

-tigwalụ

strike in return:

Tìgwalụ yā Beat him back

-tigwò

break (e.g. plate)

ntigwò

breaking

-ti isi

butt, knock with head (like fighting ram)

-ti ìkpà

box, strike with fist

-tiji

break, snap, by falling (of long objects with some weight, e.g.

yam)

-tijisị

break, snap into several pieces by falling (of long objects with

some weight, e.g. yam, pole)

-tika

burst open, break (of durable material) by repeated knocking

against hard objects over a long time; become old by

knocking against hard objects:

Etīkasịgo m igwè m zùlù n’ọnwa gālụ aga I have broken to

pieces the bicycle I bought last month

-tikọ(lị)

hit, knock, together (of opposing forces)

-tikọlịta

collide:

Èbùnù ìbùọ nà-ètikọlịta isīTwo rams are butting their heads

together

-tikpọ, -tikpò

demolish; break up; break down

ntikpọ, ntikpò

demolition; destruction (est. of building)

-tikwopù

knock, beat out (teeth or anything so fixed):

Ị gà-ètikwòpụ m ezē You are going to knock out my teeth

-tilì

break into pieces

ntilì

breaking into pieces

-tilì àrụ

bruise:

Etìlì m àrụ I bruised myself

-tilò anya

subdue; beat very severely (lit. beat till the eyes become soft)

-tilù àrụ

bruise

-ti ǹkù

flap wings:

329

Ọ bụlụ nà ị kpāchàpùrò anya ị gà-ètipīa ākwa dī n’ime

afeleIf you are not careful you will break the egg in the plate

-tinyụ

extinguish by beating:

Òkụkò èjigo ǹkù tinyụa ọkụ mpanaka dō n’enu ochē The

fowl has extinguished the lamp on the chair with the blows of

its wings

-ti obì

embrace (lit. knock chests) (cf. -bì, -dà ọmà):

Bikō tìe m obì Please embrace me

-ti òkpọ

box, strike with fist:

Tìe yā òkpọ Give him a blow with your fist

-tipìà

smash

-tipu

blow, beat open; beat out; tear a sack-like object by beating

(e.g. drum); burst; break through:

Ị gà-ètipụ ìgbà afù You are going to break that drum

ntipu

opening (e.g. in wall)

-tipu akwa

burst out crying

-tipù ọsọ

take to one's heels; rush away, off:

Ogè ndi orī nā-atọ jī n’ọbā fūlụ anyị fà tipù ọsō When the

thieves who were removing yams from the barn saw us, they

took to their heels

-tisà

beat out, forge (metal); splinter, scatter by beating or striking:

Ụzụ nà-ètisà igwè The blacksmith flattens the iron by

beating:

M gà-èji osisi tisà mkpụlụ akwū dī n’ime ǹkàtà I shall

scatter the palmnuts in the basket with a stick

-titù

strike, smite, beat, down:

Ànyị gà-ètitù onye orī àbìànà ebe à We shall beat down any

thief that ventures here

-ti ùbu

compete (lit. strike shoulders)

-ti ùfe

beat out metal thin

-tiwa

break, smash (like plate or pot)

ntiwa

smashing; breaking; division

-me ntiwa

be broken:

Afele ǹkaà mèlù ntiwa This plate is broken

-tiwa etiwa

be broken

(ìfè) -tiwa

(of civilization) be widespread

isi ōtiti

headache

òti īsi

headache:

Òti īsi nà-èti m I have a headache

-ti 2.

A. shout; yell; utter cry; howl

-ticha

cry out; exclaim

-tikù

shout to; call upon (for help); cry to (cf. -kpọkù):

Ànyî jì aka nà Chinēkè gà-ànụ onu ānyị ogè ànyị tikùlù Ya

330

We are confident that God will hear us when we cry to Him

-ti mkpu

(cf. -kpọ mkpùkpò) shout; call; exclaim in wonder or alarm:

Ònye nà-èti mkpū? Who is shouting?

-ti mkpùkpò

cry out; shout; sound alarm (cf. -kpò mkpùkpò)

B. make, proclaim (law, decree)

-ti ìwu

make, proclaim law:

E tīgo iwu ònye apùtànà ìlo n’anyàsì A law has been passed

that no one should come out at nights

-ti 3.

shine (of moon):

Ọnwa nà-èti n’anyàsị à The moon is shining this night

-ti- 4.

put

-tigwa

mix; mix with:

Tìgwaa akpụ afù nwantịntị gàlị Add a little garri to that fufu

-tinye

put; put in; add

-tinye aka na nni

dine; have meal; dine with (used as an invitation to a friend

present during a meal):

Bikō tìnyelu ānyị aka na nni Please eat with us

-tinyecha

put in all

-tinyechi

put in place of

-tinyekọ ọnū n’òfu

speak the same thing; be unanimous

-tinyekwu

add; add (in addition, besides)

-tinye n’aka

entrust with:

O tìnyèlù ọlụ afù n’aka m He entrusted me with the work

-tinye nnu n’okwu

exaggerate (lit. put salt in a speech):

Etīnyerọ mụ nnu n’okwu à I'm not exaggerating

-tiwanye

put more; raise (wages, etc.)

-ti 5.

build; establish

-ti akwalī

construct an akwalī to increase fruitfulness

-ti ụnò

build a (good) house

-ti + 6.

v.:

-ti mmanwụ

bring out spirits in the form of masquerades

-tì

crack (nuts)

-tì akụ

crack kernel

tìtì

state of being noised about:

Ùzù ya nà-àkpọ tìtì Its fame is being noised about

-tị

stretch

òtịtị

stretching

-tị aka

stretch hands, fingers; crack the knuckles

-tị àtị

stretch

-tịpù

stretch out

-tì +

v.:

-tì àtì

be firm, strong, hard, tenacious

tịtaǹgwèlè

pins-and-needles; cramp (= mkpà ǹsịkō, ụtanwaǹgwèlè):

331

Tịtaǹgwèlè nwùlù m I am feeling cramp/pins-and-needles

-to 1.

grow; be long, tall

otuto

growing; being long; being tall

-to afọ

have great swollen belly; develop ascites:

Ọyā Ōfọ èsigo n’òzịza ghòlụ itō afọ Ọfọ's illness has passed

from general oedema into ascites

-to akpịlī

delight; appeal to; also specifically used to refer to practice by

some children who gaze steadily at person eating or holding

eatable which greatly appeals to them:

Èjìma āna ètoka ākpịlị Ejima is too fond of showing her

desire to eat what other people are holding or eating

-toghàlụ

outgrow

-tonite

grow up

-to ogonogo

be long, tall

-topù

be well-grown; have more than average height

-tosopù

protrude

-to 2.

be worthy, fitting

-to eto

be worthy; be fitting:

O tòlù èto kà ànyị jee kènee Ọnwụūka nne yā nwùlù

ǹnyàafù We ought to go and console Ọnwụụka whose mother

died yesterday

-tosị

fit

-tò

praise; hail; glorify:

Mmadù niīne nà-etò Ibè màkà ọlụ dikē ọ lùlù n’Ọka

Everybody is praising Ibe for his heroic work at Ọka:

Òrà gà-etò afā Jisòs All shall hail the name of Jesus:

Ndi Mọọ Ozī nà-adā n’ànì kwà ụbòsì na-etò afà Onye Kāsị

The Angels fall down every day glorifying the name of the

Almighty

òtùtò

praise; praising; hailing; glorifying

tòlotòlo

turkey (H. tòlotòlo)

-tọ

unwrap; denude; untie

-tọ akwà

strip body; make naked by stripping

-tọpù

release; untie; loose; absolve; release from bondage, fetters:

Jèe tọpù ewu e kēdolu n’ògbụ Go and untie the goat tied to

the ògbụ tree

-tọsị

untie

-tọsịsị

untie (many things tied together)

-tọsịsị ụnò

unroof house

-tò 1.

lay; place

-tò anya n’ànì

be observant, watchful, careful; take notice of; watch (lit. lay

the eye on the ground)

-tọfù

lose; mislay

332

-tògbọ

put, lay, lie, drop down:

Tògbọ yā ebe afù Leave it there:

Tògbọ egbè gị n’ànì Lay down your gun

-tọgbò duu

lie still; lie down softly (cf. -gba duu, be silent, still):

Afùlù m nkịtā ị nà-àchọ kà ọ tògbò duu n’àzụ ụzò I saw the

dog you are searching for lying quietly behind the door

-tògbọlụ

lie abandoned:

Afùlù m egbè m kà ọ tògbòlù n’ètitì ugbō I saw my gun

lying abandoned in the middle of the farm

-tògbọ ǹkịtị

be empty, desolate, neglected:

Ugbō m dī n’ụzò Nnoòbì tògbò ǹkịtị, ènwerō m ego m jì

akō yā nni My farm on the Nnoobi road is empty; I have no

money to cultivate some crops on it

-tò ntì n’ànì

hearken; pay attention (lit. lay the ear on the ground):

Nnā ānyị nà-àchọ ikwū okwu, madù niīne tò ntì n’ànì

Father is going to speak, would you all be attentive

-tò ǹtọ ànì

lay foundation; start from the beginning

-tò ute

A. spread mat (meant to be slept on after spreading)

B. (fig.) be easy, easier, lighter

(ùwà) -tò ute

(fig.) have an easy life:

O nwērọ onye ùwà tòlù ute Nobody finds the world a bed of

roses

-tò ụkpụlū

set an example (to be followed by younger generations)

-tò 2.

take by the throat; kidnap

-tòdo

seize by the throat; choke; throttle

-tògbu

strangle

-tò ǹtò

kidnap

-tò + 3.

last; remain; live long; continue

òtùtò

endurance; durability

-tò àtò

last; remain; live long; continue; be durable:

Akwà ị zūtalụ ọfụū màlù mmā mà ùdị yā adā atō àtò The

cloth you have just bought is beautiful, but that kind is never

durable

-tò òtùtò = -tò àtò:

Òkù a kpūlụ nà Ǹnoòbì nà-atò ezigbo òtùtò Clay plates

made in Nnoobi last a very long time

ǹtọ ànì

foundation; origin

-tò 4.

ext. suff. 1.

denoting crushing into mess, very soft state, mutilation:

Nnwa āzọtògo nsị yā The baby has stepped into his faeces:

Ọ nà-àpịtò unèlè ọcha He is pressing the banana into a mess

-tu + 1.

v.:

-tu afà

extol, salute by title: e.g. Ikè enyī Elephant's buttocks

-tu + 2.

v.:

333

-tu ǹtutu

search for; look for, follow after in direction of thing being

followed

-tu ụkpụlū

follow footprints, example

-tu 3.

A. stick in; plant:

Ànyị nà-èje itū osisi n’okè ànyị nà ndi Ụmù Agū We are

going to stick sticks along the boundary between us and the

Ụmù Agū people

-tudo

stick (something)

-turu(be)

plant around

-tu ùgò

A. stick an eagle's feather in the hair

B. (fig.) be declared the champion, winner

B. strap on (sword, knife, etc.) (cf. -tù 1.):

Kèdu ǹkè ị tù mmà kà onye gāje ògù? Why are you

strapping on a sword like a person going to a fight?

-tu + 4.

v.:

-tu ùbu, ìbu

be stout

-tu ụkpò

blister

-tu + 5.

v.:

-tu ǹtutu

differentiate; make distinction

-tù 1.

insert something into covering or mass (e.g. sword passed

through belt, feather in hat or hair)

-tù + 2.

v.:

-tù ọnū

boast; "bluff"

-tù 3.

ext. suff. 1.

down:

Enwè m ike ịgbātù enyi ọ bụlụ nà e nyē m egbè I can shoot

down an elephant if I am given a gun:

Ọ nà-àchọ inūtù ibu dō n’enu ochē He is going to push off

the load which is on the chair

-tu-fù

throw away

-tufù uchè

despair

-tu-kwù

squat

-tukwùlu

squat:

Anà m èje itūkwùlù n’ùsọ ọkū màkà nà oyī nà-àtụ m I am

going to squat near the fire because I am feeling cold

tupu, tutu

conj.

before (of time):

Agà m èmesịgo ife m nà-ème tupu Ndù àbịa I shall have

finished what I am doing before Ndụ comes

tutu

see tupu

-tụ 1.

A. throw; cast; hurl; fling; throw upon

òtụtụ

throwing; casting; hurling; flinging

-tụ atụ

be bumpy, uneven (of road) (i.e. throwing one about); be

bounced about

-tụchanye

throw away utterly; lose everything:

334

Ibè nà-àkwadebe ịtūchanye ego niīne o dèbèlù n’ikpe ànì

Ibe is going to throw all his savings into a land case

-tụdà

tthrow:

Tụdàtalụ m bọòlù Throw down the ball to me

-tụdàta

throw down to

-tụ èbìlì

be agitated; swell (as river or sea in gale)

-tụfèga

throw across, beyond

-tụfèga ụkwụ

throw across feet, legs

-tụfì

be entangled; wind; curl; entangle (lit. throw and entangle)

-tụfìkọ

be entangled together; entangle

-tụfù

lose; throw away

Proverb Onye atūfùrò ò da ātụùta Anyone who does not

throw away never recovers (meant to encourage charity and

almsgiving); cf. Cast thy bread upon the waters, for after

many days thou shalt find it again

-tụgbà ụkwụ

cross the feet or legs; throw one leg across the other

-tụgbu

throw and kill; stone to death

-tụghalị

toss; turn; turn about:

Tùghalịa āzụ gị Turn your back

-tụghalị uchè

consider; reconsider; reflect; change mind:

Òfô kwènyèlù ǹnyàafù nà ya gà-esō ānyị je Ònìchà taàtà

mà kịtāà ọ tūghalịgo uchè ya Ọfọ agreed yesterday to

accompany us to Onitsha today but now he has changed his

mind

-tụ iche

throw missile (e.g. stone)

-tụkò

throw together

-tụkòba

throw together

-tụkpò aka

clasp

-tụkpò àsị

lie against:

Ọ nà-àtụkpo m àsị He is lying against me

-tụkpọ

break by throwing; throw and break, damage (e.g. egg, eyes)

-tụkpọ anya

damage eye by hitting it with a missile:

Onye nā-atụ ichē kpàchalụ anyā màkà ịtūkpọ m anya The

missile thrower should be careful not to damage my eyes!

-tụkwàsị

throw again

-tụlù

roll on ground (of animate creature (cf. -kpọlè)

-tụlùpù

fall down; roll down (like a baby); fall and mix:

Nwa a mūlụ ọfụū atụlùpùgo n’enu àkwà The new-born

baby has rolled off the bed

-tụne

examine; consider; compare; look into:

Anà m àtụne okwu o kwūlu I am considering what he said

-tụni

throw up; rock (e.g. baby)

-tụnìdo

entangle; be entangled

335

-tụ nnu

season with salt

-tụnù

be entangled

-tụnùdo

entangle; be entangled

-tụnye

A. throw in, into

B. make collection; put money or gifts in kind to common

purpose

-tụnye nnu

A. season with salt

B. (fig.) exaggerate; make more interesting (of story);

embellish

-tụ òmìmì

dive:

Àmarō m etu esì àtụ òmìmì I don’t know how to dive

-tụ òwu

spin; make thread:

Ị gà-ènyelụ m aka ịtū òwu taà You will help spin cotton

today

-tụpùta

A. throw out

B. rise to surface (as corpse in water):

Tụpùtalụ m bōòlù Throw out the ball for me

-tụrà

throw down, away:

Ndi orī atụràgo ego fa bù The thieves have dropped the

money they were carrying

-tụsì

be entangled

-tụ ubè

throw spear

-tụ ùkpolo

throw missile

-tụ ùdò

braid rope

-tụ ụtụ, ùtụ

pay tax, tribute, collection (much used for payment of church

levies)

-tụ ùzù

quarrel noisily; make noise (in quarrel (= -fịọ ùzù)

B. drop, place, upon

-tụ anya

expect:

Anà m àtụ anya ī I am expecting you:

Oke ịtū anya abàrò onye ēnwerō ego urù Great expectations

are not helpful to a poor person

-tụkwàsa

drop upon; place upon

-tụkwàsị obì

trust; count on; hope on:

Tụkwàsị Yā obì Trust in Him

ntụkwàsị obì

trust; hope:

Ntụkwàsị obī ānyī dì nà Chinēkè Our trust is in God

onye ntụkwàsị obì

person being trusted

-tụ uchè

be worried, anxious:

Atūnalụ m uchè

Do not worry about me

C. fall in drops; sprinkle

-tụ kpọm

A. strike hard surface

B. drip (= -tụ pọm)

336

-tụ nzū

sprinkle with chalk

-tụsà

splash; strew

-tụsị

drip; fall in drops:

Ò gịnī nà-àtụsị? What is dripping?

-tụsịsị

fall in drops; drip:

Mmilī nà-àtụsịsị Rain is dripping

D. throw together; heap up; fold together

-tụ akwà

roll, fold cloth

-tụchi

bolt

ife ntụchi

bolt

-tụkọ

throw, heap together

-tụkòba

heap together:

Tụkòba nkū n’ùsọ ajā Heap the firewood beside the wall

-tụkònata

throw, heap together in one place

-tụkònyesị

gather together and throw in

-tụ mkpūlu

make raised beds for planting

-tụni

build up (a causeway)

E. throw (oneself about); bounce; rebound

-tụlù

roll in; wallow (as pigs, etc.):

Nwa nkịtā nà-àtụlù n’uzuzù The puppy is rolling in the sand

-tụna enū

bounce; rebound

-tụ ǹgòǹgò

(Nnoobi) rejoice (usu. of women who combine their rejoicing

with hopping)

-tụ 2.

build

-tụ ajā

build up a wall (by throwing mud)

-tụ àkanya

build thatch roof; build thatch-roofed house

-tụ akịlịka

build a grass roof; build grass-roofed house

-tụkònata

build up

-tụ ụnò

build house:

Ife mbụ m gà-ème nà m si Òbòdò Oyìbo natâ bù ịtū òfu

ụnò enū The first thing I will do on my return from the

United Kingdom is to build a storey building

-tụ ụnō ākanya

build thatch-roofed house

-tụ ụnò akịlịka

build grass-roofed house

-tụ 3.

order; indent for; request someone going to a market to help

buy something:

Ọ bụlụ nà Nwaàmàlùbịa ānatago nàtalụ m ya ife m tūlụ ya

If Nwaamalụbịa has returned, help me bring from her what I

requested her to buy for me

-tụ afịa

request someone going to a market to help buy something

-tụ atụ

order; indent for

-tụ mgbelē

trade; retail (cf. -gba mgbelē):

Òfọ nà-àtụ mgbele n’Àba Ọfọ is trading at Aba

337

àtụmafịa

commission to buy in the market; order

-tụ + 4.

split, scrape out; (fig.) take out

-tụcha

A. scrape out canoe with ǹkò

B. nurse, foster, bring up very sickly, weak, miserably

helpless child or animal ("take out disease, weakness"):

Ọ bù nnē nà-àtụcha nnwa Ìbè e sì Ugwu Awụsa kpọnata

ọgè nne yā nwūsịlị It is mother who is fostering the child of

Ibe who was brought down from Northern Nigeria after his

mother died

-tụ nkụ

split firewood

òka ǹtùgbu

jigger

-tụ 5.

cause; get

-tụba imē

impregnate

-tụ egwù

fear; respect; be afraid of:

Anà m àtụ egwù ijē ugbō n’anyàsì I am afraid of going to

the farm at night:

Ebe a nà-enì ozū nà-àtụ egwù n’anyàsì The cemetery is

fearful at night:

Egwū mmadù adī àtụ m I am never afraid of people

-tụ imē

conceive; be pregnant:

Elòlù m nà nkịtā m gà-àtụ imē n’ọnwa ītọ na-abịa I think

my dog will become pregnant in three months to come

-tụ izè, ize

shudder; shrink from; abhor; make disgusted with,

apprehensive of:

Òmùme Ìbè tùlù m izè Ibe's behaviour disgusts me

-tụlụ ime

become pregnant; conceive; become pregnant illegitimately:

Nwunyē Ōfọ àtụlụgo imē Ọfọ's wife has become pregnant:

Àda m nō n’ụnò akwụkwọ àtụlụgo imē My eldest daughter

who is in school has become pregnant ("illegitimately"

understood)

-tụ oyī

cause cold, chill

ǹtùmoyi

cold; cold weather

(egwù) -tụ

be afraid:

Egwù nà-àtụ m ijē ugbō n’anyàsì I am afraid to go to the

farm at night

(mmanya) -tụ

be drunk:

Mmanya nà-àtụ Ōfọ, nèe kà o sì adàjọlị Ọfọ is drunk, see

how he staggers

(olù ụlā) -tụ

slumber; doze:

Olù ụlā àtụbago yā He has started to doze

-tụ 6.

speak (in various specific ways)

-tụ àkpànì

be bellicose, pugnacious (in speech)

-tụ alò

deliberate; consider; counsel; suggest; advise

338

-tụ inu

speak proverb, parable:

Nnā ānyị nà-àbụ ọ ga-agwa ānyị okwu ogē ụfọdụ ọ tụalụ

ānyị inu mà ò bụrō ogè ǹcha kà ànyị nà-àghọta inu ọ nà-

àtụlụ ānyị Our father when he addresses us often uses

proverbs, but it is not always that we understand the proverbs

he uses for us

-tụlụ

(fig.) defraud:

Ndị wàyo tùlù yà egō ya The confidence tricksters defrauded

him of his money

ntụlụ

roguery; fraud

-tụ ǹtụ, ntụ

A. tell lies (in order to escape something) (cf. -tù 6.):

Ị nà-àtụ ntụ You are telling a lie

B. deceive; poke fun at; play joke upon

-tụnye alò, elò

advise; counsel; suggest; give opinion:

Anà m àchọ onye gā-atụnye m alò bànyelụ nwunyè m

mmadū kpòlù gbafèlụ ọsō I am looking for someone to

advise me on what to do concerning my wife whom

somebody has run away with:

Ànyị nà-àtụ alò etu ànyị gà-èsi sò ịfe ndapùta ā dāpùtàlù

n’ùtụtū à We are deliberating on how to tackle this

emergency that occurred this morning

-tụ ùlà

entice on false pretences; tease (cf. -là ùlà):

Bikō esòkwònà Ibè je afīa màkà nà ọ nà-àtụ gī ùlà. Ọ

chòlù ịkpō gị je be ndi orī Please do not accompany Ibe to

the market because he is only enticing you. He wants to take

you to the thieves' house

-tụ- 7.

breathe

-tụbì

stop breathing (suddenly):

Nwatā dālụ enū n’ùtụtù àtụbìgo The child who fell from a

height has stopped breathing

-tụ kpọm

breathe one's last, faintly

-tụlụ ndù

revive; refresh

-tụ ndù

breathe slowly, faintly, with difficulty (as one dying)

-tụ n’ume

breathe shallowly or faintly (like patient nearing death or

person who is extremely exhausted from running); pant:

Elòlù m nà ezì ị gbālụ egbè gà-ànwụ ọsọ ōsọ màkà nà ọ dā

èmeghalịzị ārụ, ọ nà-àtụ sò n’ume I think that the pig you

shot will die quickly because it can no longer stir, it only

breathes very faintly

-tụnye ndù

refresh; revive

-tụte (ndù)

wake up; make alive; revive; refresh; resuscitate:

Anà m èje ịkpō onye dibìà kà ọ bịa tụtee nwa nnē m dālụ

enū I am going to call the doctor to come and revive my

brother who has fallen from a height

339

-tụ ume

breathe faintly

-tụ 8.

appear (of new moon):

Ọnwa ātụgo/ātụa/ātụọ The new moon has appeared (contrast

Ọnwa àpùtago The moon (not new) has appeared)

-tụ + 9.

v.:

-tụ n’anya

cause wonder; astonish; surprise; surpass:

Etu ndi orī sìlì bàta ụnō à n’anyàsì tùlù m n’anya How the

thieves entered this house last night surprises me

ife ịtū n’anya

surprising thing:

Etu ndi orī sìlì bàta ụnō à n’anyàsì bù ife ịtū n’anya How

the thieves entered this house last night is surprising

-tụ + 10.

v.:

-tụnye n’ụkwụ

be at hand, imminent; come unexpectedly:

"Chèghalịa nù n’ifì nà Ànì Ezè Enu igwē àtụnyego

n’ụkwụ" Repent ye, for the Kingdom of God is at hand"

-tụ + 11.

v.:

-tụ àsị

tell lies:

Ọ nà-àtụ āsị He is telling lies

-tụkpò àsị

tell a lie against

-tụ 12.

ext. suff. 1.

denoting contact

-metụ

touch

-sutụ ọnū

touch with mouth

-tù 1.

break the surface of a hard object (e.g. break with tips of nails,

usually of both hands, small seeds like melon seeds to remove

the covering)

-tùbì

break (something tiny)

-tù mbọ

pinch with fingernails

-tù nkì

cut face or body mark; tattoo

-tù ọnū

burrow:

Òke nà-atù ọnū n’ànì ụnò A rat is burrowing in the floor of

the house

-tùpu

trickle out; perforate with nails:

Ọ tùpugo àkpà m He has pinched open my bag:

Ànyị nà-atū ēgusi We are breaking open melon seeds

-tù + 2.

pick off (e.g. ants, fruits of certain grasses, or weeds with

sticky fruits, from cloth)

-tùcha

peel:

Ànyị nà-atùcha ōkụkò We are plucking the fowl:

Ànyị nà-atùcha arụrụ We are picking off the ants:

Àda nà-atùcha ntì ya Ada is picking her ear

-tùchanye

pick off and give; give very little, trifling part:

Ò bù nwantịntị àchìcha à kà ị gà-atùchanye m? Is it this

very little piece of bread that you would give me?

340

-tùchapù

pick out, off (things which stick, e.g. fleas on dog):

Bikō tụchàpụ m arụrụ tādolụ m n’àzụ Please pick off the

ant which is biting me on the back

-tùchapùta

pick off (and out)

-tùchasị

pick off (objects) sticking)

-tù ji

dig up yams for storing

-tùsịsị

pick off one by one:

Chèlụ kà m tùsịsịa gī arụrụ dī gị n’akwà Wait and let me

pick off the ants on your dress

-tù + 3.

be variegated in colour, mottled, spotted

-tù àgwà

be variegated in colour, mottled, striped, spotted:

Nkịtā m^tùlù àgwà kà agū My dog is spotted like a leopard:

Èbùnu à tùlù àgwà òji nà òcha This ram is spotted black and

white

-tù àkịkà

cause (pattern on)

-tù atùtù

be spotted, piebald

-tùgwa

be striped, spotted, variegated

ntùgwa

A. variegation

B. mixture

-tùpọ

have spot, blemish

ntùpọ

spot; blemish

-tù 4.

measure (length); point at

òtùtù

measurement (of length)

òtùtù akā

arm's length:

Ife ofu onyē kètàlù n’ànì e kèlù ǹnyàafù bù òfu òtùtù akā

What each person got out of the land which was shared

yesterday is one arm's length

-tùnye

compare; liken

-tù 5.

spatter; drop; drip (of liquids); drizzle

òtùtù

dripping (of dew, rain, etc.)

-tù 6.

cheat; defraud

-tùlụ

defraud:

Ndị wàyo tùlù yà egō ya The confidence tricksters defrauded

him of his money

-tù ùlà

tease; disappoint (after arousing expectation)

-tù + 7.

v.:

-tù ọnū

wish bad luck

tụmà

conj.

even if (= kamà):

Ànyị gà-èmeli, tụmà isi àgụ We will win, even if all perish

tùmàdì, tùmàdù

see ǹtùmàdì

-tù-tù

pick up:

Adī m àtụtù ife ọbụnà n’ìlo ọ sọgọdu nya bùlụ ōfu àkpà

egō I never pick anything up on the road, even if it is a

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hundred pounds

ntụtù

gathering; picking up; pilfering

-tụtù aka

pilfer:

Ọ nà-àtụtù akā He is a pilferer

-tụtù aka ntụtù

pilfer; pick and steal

-tùtùkọ

gather; pick together

-tùtùkọta

gather; pick together and bring:

Jèe tụtùkọta ego dāsịsịlị n’àkpà m ogè m nà-àgbabàta ụnò

Go and pick up the coins that fell from my pocket when I was

running in

-tùtùnye

pick up for; pick up and give:

Tụtùnye m ife dānarịlị m Pick up for me what has fallen

from me

-tụtù ọjì

pick iroko leaves (for feeding livestock)

-tụtùta

pick; pick up and bring:

Ọ bù mm tụtùtàlù ọtụ ụzò a nà-àchọ I am the one who

picked up the missing key

aka ntụtù

pilfering; having light fingers

-me aka ntụtù

be fond of pilfering, picking and stealing:

Mụ nà onye nā-eme aka ntụtù adī ayì I never walk in

company of a person who is fond of picking and stealing

ùbà

drum beaten for deities at second burial

ubè 1.

A. spear, divided into

ubē ǹzè

ceremonial spear for ọzō ceremonies (= alò), and fighting or

hunting spears, see asùduù and àgànà

-ma ubè

pierce with a spear

-sù ubè

thrust, stab with the spear:

Bikō asùkwònà m ubè Please do not stab me with the spear!

-tụ ubè

throw spear

B. short digging-stick (cf. mbàzù)

ubè 2.

stroke (of cane):

Pìa yā ubè osisi naàbò Give him two strokes of the cane

ùbe 1.

native pear; "pear" (Pachylobus edulis Don), baked in hot

ashes

ùbe ōkpoko

bush-candle tree (Canarium schweinfurthii Engl.). The fruits

are cooked by being put in hot water. See also ùbe òsà.

ùbe oyìbo

avocado pear (Persea gratissima)

ùbe òsà

Canarium schweinfurthii Engl. See also ùbe ōkpoko.

ùbe 2.

end; limit

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ubì

farm

ùbi

black cobra (Naja melanoleuca Hall.)

ubom

see ìbome

ubòm

A. sandbank

aja ubòm

white sand from river, used in building

B. the old boundary market, held in the dry season on the

sandbar in the middle of the Niger opposite Onitsha

C. male name

ùbu 1.

shoulder

-kpọ n’ùbu

shrug shoulders:

Àdâ kpòlù n’ùbu ogè m gwasịlị ya ife ị sī kà m gwa yā Ada

shrugged her shoulders after my delivering your message to

her

-ti ùbu

compete (lit. strike shoulders)

ùbu 2.

small fishing net

ùbù

staleness:

Azū à àdàgo ùbù This fish has gone stale

uchè

A. mind; sense; thought; wisdom; intelligence:

Uchè m dì yà I am concentrating on it

ajō uchè

bad plan

àkọ nà uchè

intelligence; mind

àkpà uchè

mind; memory

-chè uchè

think; wonder; doubt; be perplexed

-chịghalị uchè

consider; ponder; meditate

-debe uchè

think; imagine

enwē uchè

lack of sense; foolishness

-nwe uchè

be wise, intelligent:

Roseline nwèlù uchè Roseline is very intelligent

-tụghalị uchè

consider; reconsider; reflect; change one's mind

-tụ uchè

be worried; anxious

-wepù uchè

cease to expect; give up hope (lit. remove mind)

B. male name (from -chè think)

ùchichì

night:

Ùchichì adī mma ògwù Night is not good for fighting

ètitī ūchichì

midnight

kwà ùchichì

nightly

nnī ūchichì

supper

uchu

industry; perseverance; diligence

-chu uchu

persevere; be industrious

-dị uchu

be industrious, diligent:

Àdâ dì uchu Ada is industrious

ude

see udè

udè, ude

groan; groaning; grunt; grunting; hum; din; grunt used

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rhythmically to keep time in singing:

Ndị egwū na-àgwụ; ndị udè àna-àsụ The soloists are

singing; the chorus are keeping time

-sù ude

groan; grunt; hum, etc.:

Onye àrụ nà-ànwụ nà-asù udè The patient is groaning

ùde 1.

ointment; palm-kernel ointment (Yoruba àdin and òroro)

ùde akū

palm-kernel oil

ùde oyìbo

factory-prepared pomade

-kpa ude

rub in pomade, grease, ointment

ọgwū ū de

local medicine prepared and stored in a bottle with palm-

kernel oil, used for curing convulsions, poisoning

-te ùde

anoint; rub with oil, pomade, ointment:

Anà m àchọ itē ùde n’ụkwụ m kpōsịlị nkụ I am going to rub

some pomade on my dry legs:

Kèdụ ūdị ū de ị tèlù? What kind of pomade did you rub on?

ùde 2.

fame; report; reputation; name

ùdè

flood-plain; swampy farm land

ùdènè

A. common or hooded vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus)

B. hopeless, useless person

Udō

very powerful divinity (alūsị), whose worship is controlled by

the Ọbịọ clan and before whom a king-elect of Onitsha must

perform various rituals (Henderson 1972):

Proverb: Udō sì onye ya nà-àzọ jì akā ya zòọ ōnwe ya màkà

nà ya adā àzọ onye tōlụ afọ (lit. Udō requests that whoever

he is trying to save should try and help himself because he

never saves anybody with ascites)

ùdo

peace; quietness; calmness

anya ūdo

self-control; temperance

-bi n’ùdo

self in peace, harmony

-chọ ùdo

look for peace:

Ànyî chòlù ùdo We want peace

ezi ūdo

perfect peace

ùdu

used in:

ùdu mmīli

rainy season

ùdù

earthenware pot used for storing water; musical pot playing

by slapping a hole in the side-wall with the flat of the hand

egwu ùdù

music in which ùdù features prominently

-sù ùdù

beat ùdù (for music)

ùdudō

spider

ọnyā ūdudo

spider's web (lit. spider's trap)

ùfe

flight (-fe 1. fly)

-fe ùfe

fly

-ti ùfe

beat metal out thin

344

ufèlè

wind; breeze

oke ufèlè

great wind

ùfèsi, ùfèsị

the other side; abroad; overseas

ùfèsi mmīli

across the stream, river, etc.; the other side of the river,

stream, etc.

n’ùfèsị

over; on the other side

n’ùfèsị mmīli

on the other side of the river

ufie

A. camwood (dye-wood from the tree Baphia nitida Lodd. or

B. pubescens Hook.f.); red dye from it

-ru ufie

rub camwood on body

B. red; reddish

ùfìè 1.

width; across; crosswise

anya ùfìè

squint; cross-eyes

-gbà ùfìè

lie across or crosswise

ùfìè 2., ùfìò

royal drums; pair of very large cylindrical slit-gongs, held

only by kings, the beating of which arouses the king from

slumber and thus defines the beginning of a new day

ùfìè 3.

used in:

ùfìè ji ọkū

sacrifice, feast before eating new yams

ufìlì, ufùlù

mark; track; footprint; trail (e.g. of snake); sunbeam:

Ǹkaà bù ufìlì agwō, ò bụrō ufìlì igwè This is the trail of a

snake, not the track of a bicycle

ùfo

used in:

ùfochī, ùfochì

dawn; dayspring; next day

ùfolō

nothing; uselessness; vanity

ufù

a faint

ùfù

mongoose

ufulī

used in:

ùtabà ufulī

dry raw tobacco leaves not yet chemically prepared

ufùlù 1.

breath; air

ufùlù 2.

see ufìlì

ùgègbè

mirror; glass

ùgègbè anyā

(eye) glasses

-gbà ùgègbè anyā

wear glasses:

Ikê gbà ùgègbè anyā Ike has glasses on

ugilī

wild mango tree (Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex

O'Rorke) Baill.), and its fruit (cf. ògbònò) used for soup:

Ugilī teghete mbù egō abūrọ ulù Nine ugilī fruits for one

cowry is no gain (i.e. anything too cheap should be suspected

of inferiority)

ùgò

"eagle", a bird valued for its rarity and beauty. Its white

feather is a symbol of prestige worn with the red cap of onye

ǹzè. (Palmnut Vulture, Gypohierax angolensis, and/or West

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African River Eagle, Haliaetus vocifer.)

Ùgòchukwu

male name (lit. Eagle of God)

ùgò mmā

beautiful girl

Ùgònàchọmmā

name of a masquerade

Ùgònnē

male name (lit. Mother's Eagle)

Ùgònnwā

female name (lit. (Eagle child))

ọjị ùgò

A. yellow kola, valued above the common brownish type

B. beautiful fair-skinned girl (Proverb)

Egbe bèlụ ùgò bèlụ ǹke sịlị ibè ya ebènà ǹkù kwaa yā If the

kite perches and the eagle perches, whoever says to the other

that it should not perch, may it break its wing. (cf. live and let

live) (short form) Egbe bèlụ ùgò bèlụ

ùgògbè

mirror (= ènyò, ènyìnyò)

ùgòdì

lock; key

-gbachi ùgòdì

turn the key

ùgòfù

steam

ùgolì

hooting sound made by young men when dancing

ugòlo

used in:

ugòlo òmà

Pied Crow (Corvus albus)

ùgolò

bitter kola (Garcinia kola Heckel)

ùgom, ùgom

prison yard

ugọnọm

fish sp. (Bagrus bayad) (= òkpọ ọfū)

ugbànà

A. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)

B. male name

ugbè

feather (cf. ugbènè)

ugbènè

feather (cf. ugbè)

-kwosi ugbènè

pluck feathers

ugbō

farm

-gba n’ugbō

cultivate adjoining farms; be farm neighbours

-gbu ugbō

make farm; farm:

Ugbō kà Nwankwọ nà-ègbu èri o jìlì si n’ọlụ oyìbo zùlụ ikē

Nwankwọ has been farming since his retirement from the

Civil Service

-kò ugbō

cultivate farm; farm

-lụ ugbō

work a farm

-sụ ugbō

weed farm

ugbò

A. cave; den; lair; hole

B. hiding-place for fish made out of hollow bamboo cane, in

which they are then trapped

ugbokō

A. forest; thicket; jungle; farm

anụ ugbokō

stupid, uncivilized person

B. name of a town in Bendel State

ùgbòlò

time, times (in enumeration)

346

ùgbòlò naàbò

twice; two times:

Ejēgo m ụnò ọgwù ùgbòlò naàbò I have been to the hospital

twice

ùgbòlò òne?

how often?; how many times?

ùgbòlo ùgbòlò

frequently; often

ùgbu

small fishing net

ughelē

yawn; yawning

-ghe ughelē

yawn:

Ọ nà-èghe ughelē He is yawning

ugwu

A. mountain; hill; any raised ground

Ugwu Awụsa

Northern Nigeria

Nwaàmàlùbịa ejēnurò Ugwu Awụsa Nwaamalụbịa has

never been to Northern Nigeria

Enugwū, Enugū

Enugu

-lị ugwu

climb mountain, hill

ugwù

circumcision

-bè ugwù

circumcise:

Bikō jèe kpòọlụ m nnā Ěmeka kà ọ bịa bèe nwa a mūlụ

ọfụū ūgwù Go and call me Emeka's father to come and

circumcise the new-born baby

ùgwù

prestige

ugwùlùgwù

chest

ugwùlùgwù anū

breast (of meat)

ùgwulùgwu

abundance, large number (esp. of small things)

ujìjì

leaf used for soup

ùju

fullness; plenty:

Ànyî nò n’ùju nnī kịtāà We are at present in a time of plenty

(of food)

uke

thorn, prickle

ùke

brightness; glitter

Ùkè 1.

name of a town and its market

ùkè 2.

bad, ill luck; misfortune:

Ǹke à bù ùkè This is a misfortune, or This is bad luck:

Ezùlù m ùkè n’ụzò ogè m nà-èje ịkpōlụ nnwa m nō n’ụnò

ọgwù I encountered ill luck on my way to the hospital to take

my child home

ukò

used in:

-kò ukò

put on airs; show off; be lavish in hospitality

ùko

small store or recess, built up generally over fireplace

ukòlò

see ìkòlò

ukom

steep clay cliff at bank of river

ukòm

fowl

ji ukòm

White Guinea Yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.), fat and of

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good quality, features in feasts

ùku mbu

shoulder

ukpe

lamp

okụ ukpē

lamp

ùkpò, ìkpò

seat or bed made of mud; bed or plot for growing vegetables

ùkpò ezè

royal throne

iru ùkpò

area raised or demarcated within the òbi to keep ritual objects

ukpì

tree from which ufie is obtained

ùkpolo

clod of earth

-tụ ùkpolo

throw missile

ùkpoò, ukpom

fishing hook

azū ukpoò

fish caught with fishing hook

(Proverb) Onye ǹdìdì nà-èli azū ukpoò The patient person

eats fish caught with the hook

ùkwe 1.

song; hymn

akwụkwọ ūkwe

hymn-book

-kwe ùkwe

sing:

Anùlù m kà ụmù akwụkwọ nà-èkwe ū kwe n’ụnò ụkà I

heard the school-children singing a hymn in the church:

Bikō kwèelụ m òfu ū kwe ụnū kwèlù n’Àba ǹnyàafù Please

sing me a song you sang at Aba yesterday

ùkwe 2.

assent (= òkwukwe) (-kwe 1. agree)

ukwu

large; big

afọ ukwu

gluttony

anya ukwu

covetousness

àrụ ukwu

leprosy

large size:

Ọ dì ukwu It is big

ukwù

waist; loins; stump (of tree); base:

Kèdo elili à n’ukwù gị Tie this string round your waist

ukwù isò

base of pillar of house; pillar of house

ukwù osisi

stump of tree

mbè n’ukwù

skirt; native skirt worn as underwear

ùkwù 1.

bundle

ùkwù azīzà

broom (considered as a whole bundle of prepared palm

fronds)

ùkwù nkū

bundle of firewood

-lita n’ùkwù

inherit, gain by inheritance

ùkwù 2.

(also ùkwù egō) unit in cowrie counting system, consisting of

ten èkpète (of six cowries each), thus sixty cowries

ùkwù naàbò

120 cowries

ùkwù naatò

180 cowries

ùle

corruption; decomposition; rot

348

-le ùle

be rotten, lazy, corrupt

-te ule

disgrace; put to shame; abase

ùlì

indigo; plant (Randia malleifera Benth. and Hook.f. and/or R.

maculata DC) whose juice, obtained on grinding the fruit,

turns black on drying. Used traditionally by women for body

designs to enhance their beauty. Also marked on the lower

eye-lid of patient attacked by measles, influenza, smallpox, as

prevention and/or cure

ùlì abụbà

avariety of ùlì

ùli ārụ

indigo body designs

ùli ede èji

variety of ùlì

ùlì mkpò

variety of ùlì

ùlì nkịlịsị

variety of ùlì, whose seeds are very small in size

-de ùlì

mark parts of the body with ùlì

-gbu ùlì

mark parts of the body with ùlì

ùlilì, ùlulù

Giant Forest Squirrel (Protoxerus strangeri)

ùlòdì

type of white lily

ùlòlo

hole for exit of water from house, compound

ulù 1.

gain; profit; benefit

ulù egō

profit

-bà ulù

be useful; profit; benefit

-li ulù

gain; profit; benefit

ulù 2.

see ulùghùlù

ùlù

clay; mire (cf. ùlò)

ulùghùlù, ulù,

flesh; small piece of meat without bones

ulùulù

ulū ārụ

flesh

ùlùkòmbụbā,

butterfly

òlòkòmbụbā,

ùlùmàkụmā

ulùkpù

cloud

ùlulù

see ùlilì

ùlùmàkụmā

see ùlùkòmbụbā

ùlumē

downy feathers; down

ùlume akpū

kapok

ume 1.

breath; sigh; strength

ume ànì

humility

ume ngwụ

idleness; laziness

-fùnye ume

inflate

-gbà ume

encourage (lit. strengthen the heart):

O kwèsìlì kà ànyị jee gbàa ụmù akwụkwọ nā-akwado ijē

nnene akwụkwọ ume We ought to go and encourage the

students preparing for examinations

349

-kùdebe ume

stop breathing

-kùpù ume

faint; be faint

-kù ume

breathe

ǹkù umē

breath

nwa mkpùkpù umē

newborn infant

-nwe ume

be strong

òkùkù ume

lung (human)

-tụ n’ume

breathe shallowly or faintly (like patient nearing death or

person who is exhausted from running); pant

-ze ume

sigh; snort

ume 2.

loins

ùme

used in:

ùme nnwā, òmùmù

frequent loss of new-born children soon after birth

une

calabash for storing wine

ùnè

mouth-bow with cane-rope string

unèlè

banana (Musa sapientum Linn.)

unyi

dirt

-lu unyi

be dirty:

Akwà gî lùlù unyi Your cloth is dirty

unyì

coal; charcoal; cinder

unyì okwutē

coal

-gwu unyì okwutē

dig, mine coal:

A nà-ègwu unyì okwutē n’Enugū Coal is mined at Enugu

ùru

sorrow; grief

akwā ūru

sackcloth; mourning garment (usually black)

-ru ùru

mourn; be sorrowful, downcast; grieve

ùruluchī

evening; dusk

ùsokwū

woman’s house (= mkpukè)

ùsòlò

row of things or people; arrangement

-kwụlụ n’ùsòlò

be in a line, single file:

Kwùlụ nù n’ùsòlò Stand in a line; or in single file:

Mèe kà ụmù akwụkwọ kwụa n’ùsòlò Make the students

form a procession

n’ùsòlò n’ùsòlò

in order; one after the other

-sò n’ùsòlò

be in line

usukē

a tree whose fruit resembles ụdalā ènwè in shape; when ripe,

the fruit is red in colour

ute

A. mat

ute Ādo (= ute

stiff mat used for burial ceremonies or to form roofing or

mkpàla)

shelter

-gbasà ute

spread mat (in general, without necessarily implying for

purpose of sleeping):

Jèe gbasàa utē n’anwū Go and spread the mat in the sun

350

-kpọ ute

buy mat

-tò ute

spread mat (for sleeping on):

Bikō jèe tòọ utē ebe ànyị gà-àlarụ Please go and spread mats

where we are going to sleep

(ùwà) -tò ute

have an easy life

B. tree (Pandanus candelabrum Beauv.) from whose leaves

mats are made

ùtùkpè

lamp (= ìtè ọkū):

Ọnwa tụa, ùtùkpè àna When the moon shines, there is no

need of a lamp (fig. used to express dependence on an

outstanding person)

ùyòm

newly-hatched chick; chick

ùyòm ōkụkò

chicks

nwa ùyòm,

chick

nwuùyòm

ụmū ùyòm

chicks

uzè

Giant Forest squirrel (Protoxerus strangeri) (cf. òsa)

uzelē

sneezing

-ze uzelē

sneeze

uzuzù, uzuzò

sand; dust

-kpo uzuzù

gather sand; play in and with the sand (of children)

Ụ

ụbà

gain; commission

ùba

A. plentifulness; increase

-ba ùba

be plenty, many:

Ụmū Èzèagbàa bàlù ùba The children of Ezeagbaa are many

B. wealth; riches (cf. àkù)

C. male name

ùbìàm

poverty; pauperism

-dà ùbìàm

be poor, a pauper:

Chukwu ekwēkwọna kà m dàa ùbìàm May God not let me

be poor

ùbọ

musical instrument with either strings or plucked tongues; (cf.

ogumogwū )

ùbọ akwālà

pluriarc

ùbọ ọnū

mouth-organ; wind-instrument in general

-kpọ ùbọ

play musical instrument (sansa, guitar, organ)

ụbòsì

day

ụbòsì daa

everyday; daily; day by day (cf. kwà daa)

ụbòsì ìkpe āzụ

the day of judgement; the last day

351

ụbòsị mbụ

the first day

ụbòsì ụkà

Sunday

kwà ụbòsì

every day; daily

mkpụlụ ụbòsì

a day

oke ụbòsì

great day

ùbụ

scramble; scrambling

-bụ ùbụ, ụbụ

scramble (e.g. of children when eating or given something like

biscuits):

Ụmụ akā nà-àbụ

The children are scrambling over the food given them

nni e nyèlù fà ùbụ

ùbụlù

brain

ùbụlù mgbaka

brain fatigue

-nwe ùbụlù

be intelligent, brainy, sensible, brilliant:

Ụmū Okaàfò àna-ènweka ūbụlù Okaafọ's children are

usually brainy

ùbùlù 1.

young chick

ùbùlụ ākwa

eggshell (of fowl)

ùbùlù 2.

fruit with sweet smell, sucked raw (? from Borassus

aethiopum Mart.):

(Proverb) Akwụkwọ ùbùlù e jìlì ke nnū , nnu nà-àtọ ùbùlù

nà-àtọ (lit. The leaf of ùbùlù has been used in wrapping salt;

the salt is tasty, the ùbùlù is tasty.) Used in describing a

combination of two good things, e.g. when a very handsome

man marries a very beautiful woman

ùbùlù inū

variety of ùbùlù whose leaves are used to cure malaria

ùbùlù ọcha

custard apple (Annona senegalensis Pers.)

ùchịchā

cockroach

ụdà

pepper-tree (Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich.) with

strong-smelling fruit in small curled pod, used as an

ingredient in the preparation of various medicines and in

certain foods, whose bark can be used as rope

-ụdà ọfīa

wild species (Xylopia quintasii)

ùdà

sound; report

-dà ùdà

give sound:

Anùlù m ùdà egbè I heard the sound of a gun

ụdalà

African Star-apple (Chrysophyllum delevoyi De Wild.) and

White Star-apple (C. albidum G. Don)

àtùtù ụdālà

juice or stain of ụdalà fruit

ụdalā ènwè

tree whose fruit resembles ụdalà in shape, but smaller

ùdị

kind; shape; likeness; nature; being:

Ọ bù ùdị yā It is his nature:

Gwa m ùdị ị chòlù Tell me the kind you want

ùdị ọjọō

bad kind, form, being, nature

352

ùdò

A. small fibrous plant

àpàlị ùdò

fibres of ùdò

B. rope, cord, string made from the fibres of ùdò

-fị ùdò

braid rope

-ke ùdò

tie with rope, cord, etc.:

Ànyị gà-èke Ibè ùdò We shall tie Ibe up

-kwụ ùdò

commit suicide (by hanging); hang oneself

-tụ ùdò

braid rope

ùdò ọcha

musk mallow (Hibiscus abelmoschus Linn.)

ùdụ

large earthenware pot used for storing water

ùfọdụ

some; certain; (can either precede or follow noun it qualifies):

Ùfọdụ mmādù dì nzuzù Some people are stupid:

Nye m ùfọdụ Give me some:

ogē ūfọdụ, ùfọdụ

sometimes; from time to time:

ogè

Agū nà-àbịa ebe à ùfọdụ ogè The leopard sometimes comes

here

ùfụ

pain; agony; difficulty; distress

àrụ ūfụ

A. urgency; state of disquiet

B. sickness; pain

-dị ùfụ

be painful, distressing

-fụ ùfụ

be painful, distressing:

Ọgwū nā-ata m nà mkpịsị akā nà-àfụ m ùfụ The whitlow

on my finger is hurting me

ife ūfụ

painful, distressing thing

-nọ n’ùfụ

be in distress:

Ànyî nò n’ùfụ We are in distress

ùfụfù

foam; froth; scum:

Ǹkaà bù ùfụfū ōnugbù This is the foam of the bitterleaf

-gbọ ùfụfù

foam; froth:

Nni dī n’ọkụ nà-àgbọ ūfụfù The food on the fire is frothing

-sụ ùfụfù

foam; froth

ùgà

prickly plant used for the preparation of sponges

ùgànì

time of food shortage; dearth, usually before new yam is out

ụgū

fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis)

ụgùlù

harmattan

oyi ụgùlù

harmattan cold

ụgbā

A. calabash (= Y. igbá; cf. ọbà)

B. broken gourd/calabash, used for sacrifice

ògìli ūgba

castor oil plant (Ricinus communis Linn.)

ụgbà 1.

bark of plantain, used as string

ụgbà 2.

used in:

-kpọ, -pịa ụgbà

take a somersault into water; dive

353

-yi ụgbà

dive

ụgbọ

A. canoe; boat; ship

ụgbọ àjà

basket containing offering to deity or sacrifice on a forked

stick

ụgbọ àmàlà

canoe

ụgbọ mmīli

ship; boat; canoe

ụgbọ ojō

small canoe

ụgbọ oyìbo

steamer

-kpe ụgbọ

steer canoe

ọnụ ụgbō

bows of a boat

-yi ụgbọ

paddle canoe

B. any kind of motor vehicle; lorry; car

ụgbọ ànì

lorry; car

ụgbọ enū

aeroplane

ụgbọ nā-efe ēfe

aeroplane

-gba ụgbọ

go in a vehicle

ụgbògùlù

pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo Linn. and C. maxima Duchesne)

òpi ụgbògùlù

pumpkin leaf stalk (lit. pumpkin tube)

(Proverb) Sòọsò Chinēkè mà etu mmilī sì bàa n’òpì

ụgbògùlù Only God knows how water managed to enter the

tube of the pumpkin leaf stalk

ụgbụ

clap net

ụgbùgbà

kind of shallow pot; the large size used for cooking, the

medium size for soup, and the small size for making sacrifices

ụgbùgbà ọkū

cooking pot

ùgha

falsehood

-kwu okwu ūgha

speak falsehood

ụgwō

debt; wages; salary:

Ànyị gà-èli ụgwō taàtà We shall receive our salary today

ụgwọ ọlū

wages; salary payment for work done

ụgwọ ụnò

rent (for house)

-fie ụgwō

demand payment of a debt

-jì ụgwō

owe; be in debt:

Ibè jì m ụgwō

Ibe owes me a debt

-kwụ ụgwō

pay debt, salary, wages

-li ụgwō

receive salary, wages, etc.

-na ụgwō

receive salary, wages, etc.

onye ụgwō

debtor

-wèfìè ụgwō

seize for debt; seize wrongly for debt

ụgwò, ngwò

kind of skin disease

Proverb: Onye dī mmā kà ụgwō nà-èli Ụgwọ attacks

beautiful people

ùjà

bark, roar (of animal):

354

Anà m ànụ ùja òdùm I am hearing the roar of a lion

-gbọ ùja

bark, roar (of animal):

Nkịtā m adā àgbọ ùjà My dog never barks

ụjalā

used in:

-ta ụjalā

A. chirp; cry as a child; utter a peculiar call

B. make a loud outcry

ụjō

fear; cowardice; inability to bear pain long before crying or

trembling

-dị ụjō

be cowardly; fear:

Adì m ụjō I am cowardly or, I can’t bear physical pain long

-jọ ụjō

be cowardly; fear; be timid (less common than -tụ egwù)

-jọ ụjọ akwụkwọ

play truant

onye ụjō

a coward

ụjū

mourning

akwà ụjū

black cloth worn by mourners

-nò n’ụjū

be in mourning; mourn:

Fâ nò n’ụjū They are in mourning

-ru ụjū

be mourning:

Ibè nà-èru ụjū Ibe is mourning

ụjùjù

kind of tree; (Myrianthus arboreus) its leaf

ụka

sourness (e.g. of overnight soup, food, not yet warmed)

-gba ụka

be sour

ụkà 1.

conversation; talk; disputation; argument; backbiting; gossip:

Bikō bìa fū m n’ọnụ ūtụtù, ànyî nwèlù nwantịntị ụkà

Please come and see me early in the morning, we have

something to discuss:

Àda nà Èjìmâ nwèlù ụkà Ada and Ejima have a quarrel

-bu ụkà

make trouble

-kà ụkà

converse; quarrel; slander:

Àchọrō m kà onye ōbụnà kàa m ụkà I don’t want anyone to

slander me

-lụ àrụ ụkà

be self-controlled

-lụlịta ụkà

debate; discuss

-lụ onwē ụkà

be disciplined, self-controlled

-lụ ụkà

dispute with; argue

ụkà 2.

church service; class meeting; church:

Ànyị nà-èje ụkà We are going to the service

Ụkà CMS

(Anglican), Salvation Army, etc. C.M.S. (Anglican) Church,

Salvation Army, etc.

Ụkà Fada

Roman Catholic Church Mission

ụkā nche

watchnight service (e.g. that held on Christmas, New Year's

Eve)

àfè ụkà

cloth, garment, robe set aside and devoted to wearing to

355

divine service; Sunday best

izù ụkà

(sometimes shortened to ụkà) week of seven days (i.e. of

church or mission):

Ǹkaà bù ụkà naàbò Àda jì jebe Lagos It is two weeks since

Ada left for Lagos or, Ada has been away in Lagos for two

weeks now

ụkā gālụ aga

last week

-kà ụkà

hold divine service:

Ànyị nà-èje ebe a nà-akà ụkà We are going where a Divine

Service is taking place

ndi ụkà

Christians

ndi Ụkà Methodìst,

members of the Methodist, Roman Catholic, Anglican, etc.,

Fadaa, Anglican,

Church:

etc.

Anyî bù ndi Ụkà Methodìst We are members of the

Methodist Church

onye ụkà

Christian:

Roseline bù ezigbo onye ụkà Roseline is a devout Christian

ụbòsì ụkà

Sunday:

Taà bù ụbòsì ụkà Today is Sunday

ụnò ụkà

Church (building):

Ụkò Chukwû nò n’ime ụnò ụkà The clergyman is in the

church

ùkata

general name for fish of the Polypterus and Calamoichthys

genera (cf. òkwo)

ùkàwù

tigerfish (Hydrocynus vittatus lineatus)

ụkò

messenger

ụkò Chukwu

Minister in holy orders; pastor; deacon; priest, etc. (lit.

messenger of God)

-ra ụkò

send representative, ambassador, special messenger,

middleman

ùkọ

scarcity (cf. mkpa)

-kọ ùkọ

be scarce

ụkọlō

laziness; inability; incapability; weakness

-nyọ ụkọlō

be lazy

ùkòlò

hollow

afele ùkòlò

hollow plate

ụkpà

"walnut" (Tetracarpidium conophorum (Mull Arg.) Hutch.

and J.M. Dalz.) (Yoruba àsalà or awùsa)

ùkpa 1.

large oblong market basket, made from aŋā

ùkpa jī

basketful of yam

ùkpa 2.

A. a walk

B. friendship; communion

356

-kpa ajō ụkpa

make bad or disagreeable friendship (e.g. as when a person is

intimate with another person whose morality and ways are bad

or questionable); walk with criminals or suspects; keep bad

company

-kpa ùkpa

be friends companions

-kpa ùkpa orī

be friends with a thief

ùkpà

rope for climbing

ùkpakā

oil-bean tree or seed (Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth.)

ùkpànà

grasshopper

ụkpò

used in:

-tu ụkpò

blister

ùkpọrọ

see òkpọrọ

ụkpụlū

footprint; thing to be followed, e.g. example, precept, statute

-sò ụkpụlū

take after, resemble ancestor (in behaviour)

ụkwà

African Breadfruit (Treculia africana Decne.)

ụkwalà

cough

Ụkwalà jì m I have a cough or, I have a coughing fit

(ụkwalà) -kwa

have a cough:

Ụkwalà ò nà-àkwa gī? Do you have a cough?

ụkwalā nri

whooping-cough

ụkwalà ntà

tuberculosis

ụkwalà ntìrịìrì

whooping-cough

àkpà ụkwalà

asthma

-kwa ụkwalà

cough:

Ònye nà-àkwa ụkwalà? Who is coughing?

ụkwụ

foot; leg; footstep

ụkwụ enū

by land, overland

Ụkwụ nà Ijè cult of the limbs which symbolizes success in

adventures, represented by a carving of a foot

ụkwụ òlọgbà

crooked leg; "K-leg"

ụkwụ ọma

arriving and meeting with luck; encountering luck at arrival

(e.g. meeting friend at table on arrival at his house)

afọ ụkwū

calf of leg

akpù ụkwū

thigh muscle

akpụkpọ ụkwū

boot; shoe; sandal

-yi akpụkpọ ụkwū

wear shoes

amà ụkwū

pace; footstep

ànì ụkwū

heel of the foot

àpà ụkwū

footprint

àpàtàpà ụkwū

thigh

-dà n’ụkwụ

happen in one's presence

-gba ụkwụ

kick (with foot)

ìkili ụkwū

heel

357

ìkiti ụkwū

(sound of) footstep

ikpèlè ụkwū

knee

isi ụkwū

big toe

-kpọ ụkwụ

stub the toes

-kpọbè ụkwụ

knock and cut, hurt, abrase toe by knocking it against an

object (usu. by accident)

-lù ụkwụ

limp

nkèji ụkwū

ankle

nzò ụkwū

footprint; footstep

ogwè ụkwū

leg

ọbù ụkwū

sole of foot

ọdụ ụkwū

anklet of ivory (or copper)

ọdù ụkwū

little toe

-sì ụkwụ

mark a footprint

-te ụkwụ

limp

-tụfèga ụkwụ

throw across feet, legs

-tụgbà ụkwụ

cross the feet or legs

-tụnye n’ụkwụ

be at hand, imminent; come unexpectedly

ụla

sleep

àfè ụlā

night-gown

-chu ụla

be wakeful, sleepless

-gwọ ụla

snore

-lamì ụla

fall deeply asleep

-larụ ụla

sleep

-lụ ụla

sleep

-lù ụla

be sleepy

-me anya ụlā

be drowsy

ògbu ụlā

deep sleep

òlù ụla

A. doze

(òlù ụla) -tụ

slumber; doze

B. sleeping sickness; trypasonomiasis:

Ị dì kà onye òlù ụla nà-ème You look like someone suffering

from sleeping sickness

-teta n’ụla

wake from sleep

ùla 1.

(for some speakers ụnō ūla) (sleeping) room; inner room;

bedroom; foodstuff store - a room in the house

ùla ōkụkò

hen-house

-sa ùla, -chọ ùla

go and sleep with a friend or relative away from one's home:

Ì sago ūla? Good morning (lit. Have you spent the night

away?, but can be used in any circumstances)

Ì pùtago ūla? Good morning

ùla 2.

see òla

ùlà

enticement; seduction; drawing away

358

-là ùlà

seduce; entire; draw away

ndị ùlà

deceivers; cunning people; enticers

-tù ùlà

tease; disappoint (after arousing expectation)

ùlàgà, ùlàgù

Christmas masquerade

ụlō

grey clay found in flood-plain (cf. ụpà)

ànì ụlō

clay soil

ùlò

mud; mire (cf. ùlù)

ụlù

tree sp. (Musanga cecropioides)

ùlụ

theft; deception

onye ūlụ

thief

ụma

used in:

ụma afō

enlarged spleen (see afọ)

ụmā

used in:

-rù ụmā

charge, price more than right price

ùma 1.

used in:

akwụkwọ ūma

leaf, shiny, broad and smooth, used for wrapping food (esp. in

convenient bits for sale) and for thatching (Sarcophrynium

brachystachys (Benth.) K. Schum.)

ùma 2.

used in:

-ma ùma

pretend; be useful; do with purpose; act wilfully, knowingly

ùmà

information, esp. that which is not commonly known

edi ùmà

civet-cat, which is very sensitive

onye ùmà

well-informed person

-si ùmà

seek out information:

Anà m èsi ùmà I am trying to ferret out information

ùmị, òmị

shallow well; pit, well for collecting rain-water (òmị more

common in Onitsha Town)

ùmì

marrow

ùmì osisi

(sweet) juice of fruit

ùmì ọkpụkpụ

marrow of bone

ụmù

A. children (plural of nnwa); sons and daughters; offspring;

members of a common descent group

ụmù akā

(young) children

ụmù akwụkwọ

school children

ụmù arò

children; young children

ụmù azì

(young) children

ụmū āzụ

disciples; followers

ụmù deì

freeborn children; children of a king or chief

ụmū èjìma

twins

ụmū ìgòsì

children; young children

ụmù naàbò

twins (cf. ụmū èjìma)

ụmù nnà

A. localized patrilineage; a fluid term applied narrowly to

children of the same father but different mothers and widely

359

to the patrilineal members, real or putative, whom one cannot

marry; sometimes loosely applied to all the members of the

village-group as opposed to other village-groups; as a

residence unit, consists of a number of compounds (Uchendu,

1965: 39-40)

B. in the Onitsha area, a unit of which several make up an

ogbè ('village') and which is itself subdivided into ebo

ụmù nnē

full brothers or sisters

ụmù nwaànyì

girls

ụmù nwokē

boys

ụmù ọkpū

married daughters

òtù ụmù òkolọbìà

young men’s society

B. young of animals (plural of nnwa)

ụmù nkịtā

puppies

ụmū ùyòm

chicks

-bù ụmù

hatch (eggs) (of hen)

C. marks plural of animate nouns

ụmù nkịtā

dogs

ụmù nwaànyì, ụmù

women

nwaànyà

ụmù nwokē

men

ùna

departure; going

ọdụ ūna

charm which makes someone invisible (used by drivers to

escape from an accident) (cf. ǹdè)

ùnànwụledè

see nànwụledè

ùnànwụlụ

see nànwụledè

ụnò

house; household; building

ụnò afīa

market stall:

Ọ bụlụ nà ị chòlù inwēta ụdị àkpà ị nà-àchọ ịzū jèe n’ụnò

afīa Ŏfọ If you want to get the kind of bag you were wanting

to buy, go to Ọfọ's market stall

ụnō àkù

bank; department store; trading factory:

A nà-àchọ ịtū ụnō àkù a nà-àkpọ Leventis Stores n’òbòdo

ānyị A department store called Leventis Stores is going to be

built in our town

ụnò akwụkwọ

school (of all types, including primary schools, grammar

schools, colleges, and universities; cf. ụnò mmùta):

Ikê nò na nnukwu ụnò akwụkwọ a nà-àkpọ University of

Ibadan Ike is in the University of Ibadan

ụnò alūsị

shrine

ụnò anwū

mosquito-net

ụnò gbamgbam

building with corrugated iron roof

ụnò ikpē

court of law

ụnò ime ụnò

small private room where family head holds private

360

discussions (= ụnò ọbā)

ụnō īkwuù

moveable house; tent; booth

ụnō mkpọlọ

prison

ụnō mmọọ

shrine (cf. ụnò alūsị)

ụnō nga

prison (cf. ụnō mkpọlọ):

Ibè nò n’ụnō nga

Ibe is in prison

ụnò ọbā

small private room (= ụnò ime ụnò)

ụnò ọgwù

hospital (of all types, i.e. including dispensary, etc.):

Ànyị nà-èje ụnò ọgwù inēta nwa nnē ānyị àrụ nà-esògbu

We are going to the hospital to visit our sister who is ill

ụnò ọlū

office; department; workshop:

Nwaàmàlùbịa èjebego ụnò ọlū Nwaamalụbịa has gone to the

office, workshop

ụnò ụkà

church:

Ndi nā-ekwe ūkwe nà-amū ūkwe fa gà-èkwe n’ụnò ụkà

echi The choristers are practising the hymns they will sing in

church tomorrow

àzụ ụnò

toilet (lit. back of the house)

-bika ụnò

dwell in a house till it is old

-dụmì ụnò

lay rafters, roof, of a house

enu ụnò

roof

èzi nà ụnò

household

-gbàkwụnye ụnò

enlarge, extend house (by adding more rooms)

-gbu aja ụnò

build walls of mud-wall building

ife ibī ụnò

furniture

imelìme ụnò

an inner room

ime ụnò

room

-lụ ụnò

build a house

-ma ụnò

be tame, be domesticated (lit. know the house)

ndùmi ụnò

roof framework (before thatching or fixing the sheets)

n’ụnò

at home; in the house; within

-nwe èzi na ụnò

become a householder

obì ụnò

homesickness

òke ụnò

house rat

-te ụnò

plaster a house; rub, smooth, wet walls of a mud house

-tọsịsị ụnò

unroof house

-tụ ụnò

build house

-tụ ụnō ākanya

build thatch-roofed house

ụgwọ ụnò

rent (for house)

-waghalị n’ụnò

wander about lazily in the house

-wà ụnò

repair thatch of a house

ụnù

pron.

(independent, 3rd pers. plural) you, your (plural):

Achòlù m kà ụnù bịa I want you to come

361

ụnù ǹcha

all of you; you all

ụnù niīne

all of you:

Achòlù m kà ụnù niīne bịa I want all of you to come or, I

want you all to come

ǹkè ụnù

your; yours

ụŋàlà

sudden sound or movement breaking the silence

ụpà

A. red clay soil (also aja ụpà; cf. ụlō)

B. wet mud; wet mud for building

ùsà 1.

pinching (bits of food, meat, etc., usually by children (-sà 3.

pinch):

Ọ nà-asā ùsà He is gazing longingly at the food (of child), or

He insists on the lion’s share of food (of husband)

ùsà 2., ụsà

answer; excuse

-sà ùsà

make excuse

ùshàkà

A. a calabash, netted with strings of cowries, which is shaken

as a musical instrument (= Y. sèkèrè)

B. rattle (= ụyò)

ùsọ 1.

pleasure; sweetness

obī ūsọ

cheerfulness; happiness

-sọ ùsọ

be sweet, pleasant; please

ùsọ 2.

vicinity; proximity; near neighbourhood

ùsọ ànì

border; place of no consequence; the country, countryside

-chà n’ùsọ

go aside; give way

n’ùsọ

beside; by the side of:

Dèbelụ m ìtè afù n’ùsọ ọkū Help me put that pot beside the

fire:

Gbà mbò dèbe anụ ndù afù n’ùsọ ọkū kà ọ ghàlụ ilē ule

Try and keep that fresh meat beside the fire to prevent it from

rotting

-wèrụka n’ùsọ

put aside; take out of the way

ụsụ

bat

ụsụ kà ǹgwu

bat sp. (very small and not eaten)

ụsụ ọgù

fruit bat

ùshàkà

see ùsàkà

ụta 1.

bow

-gba ụta

shoot arrow with bow

-kwe ụta

string a bow

-kwezi ụta

re-string a bow

òkà ụtā

archer

ụta 2.

blame; reprimand

-kwà ụta

regret; be sorry

-ta ụta

lay blame; blame; reprimand:

A gà-àta Ikē ụta màkà ego nā-efū èfù màkà nà ọ

362

kpachàpùrò anya idēbe ego afù ebe ndi orī āma enwe ìke

ịfū ya Ike will be blamed for the loss of the money, because

he was not careful to keep the money where the thieves could

not find it

ùtà

invitation to a feast:

Chòọ yā ùtà Give him an invitation

-lite ùtà

accept an invitation

onye ùtà

invitee; guest

ùtabà

A. tobacco (Nicotiana rustica Linn.)

B. cigarette; snuff

ùtabā èkèlèke

rolled tobacco leaves, in small bits for retail

ùtabà ufū or ufulī

dry raw tobacco leaves not yet chemically prepared

ajụ ūtabà

roll of tobacco

isi ūtabà

head of tobacco

-kpọ ùtabà

take snuff

mkpō ūtabà

snuff-box

ọkụ ūtabà

tobacco pipe; snuff-box

ụtàlà

any pounded food taken with soup, e.g. fufu, pounded yam

ụtanwaǹgwèlè

cramp; numbness of part of body (cf. tịtaǹgwèlè)

ùtàzì

bitter leaf for soup (Gongronema latifolia)

ofe ùtàzì

ùtàzì soup

ùtụ 1.

money or kind paid as tax, collection, rent, fare

-na ùtụ

exact tax

-tụ ùtụ

pay tax, tribute, collection (much used for payment of church

levies)

ùtụ 2.

powder, dust (e.g. of wood)

ùtụ osisi

sawdust; powder from dry wood as a result of grub activity

inside the wood

-gba ùtụ

suffer from boring grub

ùtù

rubber fruit (thick bush, sweet flesh, orange) (Saba florida

(Benth.) Bullock)

ùtụtù

morning; morning of life

ùtụtù echī

tomorrow morning:

Agà m àfụ gī n’ùtụtù echī I shall see you tomorrow morning

ùtụtù ọma

fine morning

azị ūtụtù

breakfast

-gba àzị ūtụtù

take breakfast

-gbapù àzị ūtụtù

take breakfast (usually a light one and taken in a hurry); just

breakfast

-gba ùtụtù

take breakfast; breakfast

kpakpaǹdo ūtụtù

morning star

kwà ụtùtù

every morning

-me ùtụtù

take breakfast

363

nni ūtụtù

breakfast

ùzọ ūtụtù

early morning

n’ùzọ ūtụtù

early in the morning

ùwà

the world, earth, universe; (in Nri philosophy the visible

world, contrasted with Mmụō (ancestors), Alūsị (spirits), and

Òkìkè (the creator), consisting of igwē nà ànì (the firmament

and the earth), and occupied by mmadù (human beings), agū

(forests), anụmànù (animals), etc.

ùwà afụfụ

world of suffering:

Àbịarō m ùwà afụfụ I do not come to the world to suffer

ùwà aja āja

troublesome world; world of trials and tribulations (lit. world

of sands - any food or beautiful thing, once sand is spilt into

it, is fouled)

ùwà anụmànù

the animal world

ùwà anya ọkū

envious, jealous world

ùwà ebè èbè

everlasting; for ever and ever:

Nnà, ànyị nà-àyọ Gī kà Ị nònyelụ ānyị wèe lue n’ùwà ebè

èbè Father, we beseech Thee to be with us till life everlasting

ùwa mmadù

the human world

ùwà m ùwà ìsatō

exclamation of dismay

ùwà ndi mmọọ

world of the spirits

ùwà ndi oyìbo

(lit. the world of the white people) luxurious pleasure-loving

way of life or living: extravagant life:

Nwụnyē Īkê bìàlù ùwà ndi oyìbo. Di yā adī àchọ kà ọ lụa

ọlụ ōbụnà, mà ò bù kà ọ mee ife ōbụnā sīlị ike Ike's wife is

living a life of pleasure. Her husband never wants her to do

any work or do anything arduous

ùwà niīne

all over the world

ùwa ōnye òzọ

another person’s business

ùwà ọfụū

modern world; nowadays

ùwà ọjọō ǹkaà

this sinful world to come:

Ànyị gà-ènwe ndù ebè èbè n’ùwa ōzọ We shall have

everlasting life in the world to come

(ùwà) -tò ute

(fig.) have an easy life

ùwà tụ ùwà

for ever and ever; for ever; everlasting:

Bìnyelụ ānyị ùwà tụ ùwà Abide with us for ever (lit. from

world to world)

afụfụ ùwà

misfortune; ups and downs of life

enu igwē nà ùwà

heaven and earth

enu ùwà

the world, earth, universe

-li ùwà

enjoy life:

Ndi nā-alụ ọlū n’ụnō àkù Kingsway nà-èli ùwà The

members of staff of the Kingsway stores enjoy life

ụyù

rattle, used with ùfìè (= ùsàkà B.)

364

ụza

used in:

-ta ụza

chew the cud

ụzịza

West African Black Pepper (Piper guineense Schum. and

Thonn.); a climber, about 40' long, whose fruits are used fresh

or dried as spices in food and in medicine

ụzò

A. way; road; path; door(way)

ụzō ēzi amā

main entrance to a compound

ụzò idèì

trench; channel; gutter

ụzò mbànye

crossroads; street corner

ụzō òwèlè, òwèlè

path to the back of the compound or outskirts of town

-bu ụzò

be first

-chàlụ n’ụzò

let one pass; give way to

-fù ụzò

lose one's way

-fụ ụzò

see clearly; be transparent

-gbuwa ụzò

cut a new road

-kwa ụzò

open road; prepare way

okpolo ụzò

road-way, public path (less specific than okpolo īlo)

ọkpụ ezi ụzò

middle of path or road; main road; permanent path

-pùta n’ụzò

move out of the way

-sifìè ụzò

miss road, way

-sụ ụzò

cut road

B. way; manner; conduct; sort; kind:

Ụzò i sì èkwu okwū asōrọ m I don’t like your way of

speaking

ọtụ ụzò

key

ùzọ

dawn; daybreak; early morning; early

Proverb: Ùzọ nwaànyì abūrọ ụzọ nnwā Early to marry is not

early to get children

ùzọ ūtụtù

early morning; dawn

-gba ùzọ

go out early in the morning; do something early, rather early:

Agà m àgba ūzọ je Nneēwi I shall go to Nneewi early in the

morning

(fig.) Mbâ gbàlù ùzọ ọnwū Mba died young (lit

died

early)

n’ùzọ ūtụtù

early in the morning:

Ijè bìàlù ebe à n’ùzọ ūtụtù Ije came here early in the

morning

ụzụ

blacksmith; blacksmithery

àkpaka ụzū

log of wood on which blacksmith's anvil is set (see àkpaka)

-kpụ ụzụ

work as blacksmith:

Nnà m kpùlù uzụ ogè ọ dì n’ìkolobìà My father worked as a

blacksmith when he was a young man

ùzù

noise; uproar; quarrel

365

-fịọ ùzù, -shọ ùzù

make quarrelsome noise; quarrel noisily; make tumultous

noise

-tụ ùzù

quarrel noisily; make noise

-wa 1.

cut; split; divide; space

òwụwa

cutting; splitting; dividing

-wa ànì

break up land by digging; divide land for planting; dig ground

awa ànì

division, plot, of land

-wa ezē

file teeth

-wa ji

A. divide or split yam:

Agà m àwa jī I shall cut the yam

B. hold annual (religious) new yam festival

ogè ịwā ji

annual yam festival

òwụwa jī

feast of new yams

-wa okè

make a boundary; put a mark; demarcate

-wa ọjị

break kola

-gbuwa

split by cutting (esp. with axe or matchet)

-gbuwa akụ oyìbo

speak out, break the news, bluntly (lit. break the Nsugbe

Ǹsugbē

coconut)

ọkìlị mgbawa īsi

very severe headache

-tiwa

break (esp. accidentally)

-wa 2.

A. come out; break through; burst out (on); force one's way in

-wabà

rush in; invade

-wabàta

rush inside

-waku(lu)

attack; rush at

-wakpò

rise upon; invade; attack; raid:

Elèghelū àwakpògo ọkụkò n’ime ūla ōkụkò Giant ants have

invaded the fowls in the battery

-wakwàsị

attack

-wakwute

attack

-wapùta

burst out; flow

B. come out from the soil (of water); flood:

Mmilī àwago n’ụnò Underground water has flooded the

floors of the house

-wakpò

submerge

mmili ōwụwa

coming out of underground water, flooding the land (e.g.

when water seeps into buildings in swampy areas)

C. come out, rise, shine (of sun)

òwụwa anyaanwū

East; sunrise; rising of sun

-wa + 3.

wander; explore (e.g. forest)

366

-wagota

wander up (nearer)

-waghalị

wander about:

Kèdu ǹkè ọ nà-àwaghalị n’ime ọfīa? Why is he wandering

in the forest?

-waghalị n’ụnò

wander about lazily in the house

-wa ọfịa

wander in, explore, the forest

-wa 4.

break; shatter

òwịwa

breaking

afele ōwịwa

breakable dish

-wa 5.

ext. suff. 1.

continuing; becoming more and more

-bawanye

increase (in number):

Ụmù ọlū ya nà-àbawanye ūba His apprentices are increasing

more and more

-gawa

go further, straight on:

Àrụ nsògbu yā nà-àgawanye n’iru His illness is becoming

worse (lit. going further and further)

-wà +

put in between two closely placed objects with little or no

space between them; insert

-wà akwà

A. put on loincloth

B. = -wà ògòdò B.

-wànye

insert in (between)

-wà ògòdò

(= -wà akwà)

A. put on loincloth

B. put on loincloth ceremonially. In olden days, this ceremony

marked the time when a boy stopped appearing nude. From

thenceforth he had the privileges and obligations of a man:

Èke awàgo ògòdò Eke has become an adult

-wapù

pull out thing stuck in

-wà ụnọ

repair thatch of a house (= -wàchi ụnò)

walala

narrowness

walala ụzò

path (opposed to road)

-dị walala

be narrow:

Ụzō ǹkaà dì walala This road or path is narrow

wàyo

fraud (Pidgin wàyo)

afịa wàyo

inferior goods

okwu wàyo

deception

onye wàyo

fraudulent person

-we

be angry, annoyed

-we iwe

be angry, annoyed

-wewụsa iwe

be annoyed, angry, with; vent anger upon

mwewụsa iwē

anger, vexation (with a person, etc.)

-wè

take

òwùwè

taking

367

-wèbìpù

take out some

-wèdàta

bring down

-wèdàta ànì

bring down; humble; abase; humiliate:

Wedàta ōnwe gī ànì Humble yourself (lit. Bring yourself

down)

wèe

used in many common phrases

wèe ganye nà, wèe

till; until; pending:

nye nà

Agà m na-àpịa gī ìtàlì wèe ganye nā ī kwupùta ife ọjọō i

mèlù I shall continue to flog you till you confess the bad thing

you did

wèe lue nà

until; as far as to

wèe lue n’ùwà

for ever; for ever and ever

ebìghèèbì

wèe pù

until

kà

wèe

in order that; so that:

Ànyị nà-àyọ Chinēkè kà O nye ānyị àmàlà ya n’ùwa ǹkaà

kà ànyị wèe gbakùta ajọ òmùme āzụ kà ànyị wèe bụlụazị

ndi gā-abā ànì ezè Ya n’ogē ìkpe āzụ We are praying God to

give us His Grace in this world so that we may eschew bad

deeds and so that we may also be those who will enter His

Kingdom at last:

Ọ kwèsìlì kà ànyị na-ème ezi òmùme kà ànyị wèe nwee ike

ịbà ànì ezè enu igwē n’èmesịa We ought to continue doing

good in order that we may be able to enter the Kingdom of

God afterwards:

Achò m ijī gboo rapù Nneēwi kà m wèe nwee ike ịfū ụzò lu

Āba I want to leave Nneewi early so that I may reach Aba

before dusk:

Achòlù m ịbà ụgbọ enū kà m wèe lue Òbòdò Oyìbo ọsọōsọ

I want to take an aircraft to be able to arrive in the United

Kingdom quickly:

Bikō nye m afele kà m wèe kulu mmīli Please give me a

plate to take some water

-wèfìè ụgwō

seize for debt; seize wrongly for debt

-wèghalị

move, move (something) about; remove; change the position

(of something)

-wèju aka

have enough

mwèju akā

sufficiency; enough

-wèlụ

take:

Wèlụ ǹkè ị Take yours

-wèlụ oche

take a seat

-wèmì

take far away

-wènata

bring home:

368

Wènata jī Bring home yams

-wèni

take up; raise

-wèni aka

take hand from; raise hand; abandon; leave alone:

Wènie akā gị Hands off! or, Stop being involved:

Wènie akā gị n’ànì afù Take your hand off that land or, Have

nothing to do with that land any longer or, Abandon the land

-wèni aka enū

raise hand

-wèni enū

raise up:

Wènie akā enū Raise (your) hand

-wènita

A. lift up; take up; pick up

B. be better

-wènita àrụ

get better (lit. raise body):

Ọ nàfu ewènita She is improving (in health);

-wènita enū

lift up; take up

-wè nni

reap; harvest (lit. take food

-wèpù

remove; take off, away; subtract

mwepù

act of taking away, removing; subtraction

-wèpù aka

take hands off (e.g. a matter):

Wepù akā gị Remove your hand

-wèpù anya

overlook; ignore; give up hope; connive at (lit. remove eye

from)

-wèpù obì

dismiss from the mind

-wèpùta

bring out; take out:

Wepùtalụ m ji Bring out yam for me

-wèpù uchè

cease to expect; give up hope (lit. remove mind)

-wèrụka

put aside; take out of the way; move aside (of light things)

-wèrụka n’ùsọ

put aside; take out of the way

-wèta

bring:

Wèta Bring (it):

Wètalụ m òfu jī Bring me a yam:

Wèta akwụkwọ naàbò Bring two books

mwèta

bringing; rendering; producing

wèe +

see -wè

-wì 1., 2.

see -yì 1., 2.

-wo 1.

bore hole; poke:

A nà m èwo ewī I am poking the giant rat's hole (with the

intention of getting it out and capturing it)

-wokò

make loose, or widen, a hole by poking or probing

-wo n’anya

be plain, clear, obvious; stare one in the face; leap to the eye

-wo ọnū

dig hole (already existing, e.g. rat-hole); excavate:

A nà m èwo ōnụ ōke I am probing, poking, or digging a rat-

hole (with the intention of catching the rat)

-wo 2.

peel off; shed (of skin, scales)

369

-wo iwòlò (àwòlò)

come off in scales; shed skin

-wò 1.

put on (clothes)

-wopù

take off clothes

mwopū àfè

taking off of clothes

-wò 2.

see -nwò

-wò

deny (a share; implies object has no legal claim to a share)

-wò nni

deny (share of) food

wọò

see nwọò

-wu 1.

boil, seethe (corn, palm kernels)

-wu + 2.

establish; build

-wughe

open; make, declare open

-wughepù

give permission for any kind of gathering; declare open; open

-wu ìwu

make law

-wulu

be firm, established

-wulu ewulu

be firm, established:

Oche afù àmaka, o wùùlù èwulu That chair is magnificient,

it is very firm

-wu ụnò

build a house

-wù

become known, popular; spread:

Ife o mèlù nà-ewù What he has done is fast becoming known

to everyone

òwùwù

spreading; being popular

-wùbe

begin to spread (of news)

-wù èwù

spread; be noised abroad; be famed:

Akụkọ afù nà-ewū èwù The news is spreading

-wu-ta

grieve; hurt; trouble; distress:

Ọnwụ enyì m nwokē nà-èwuta m ri nnē The death of my

friend is hurting me greatly

mwuta

grief; sorrow; pain (of mind)

ife mwuta

painful thing; distressing thing

-wụ 1.

wash (body)

òwụwụ

washing

-wụ àrụ

wash the body

-wụcha àrụ

wash the body clean; cleanse the body

-wụchapù àrụ

wash the body thoroughly

-wụchapùta

wash away; clear away

-wụ 2.

pour; spread; put; place

-wụbà

pour into

-wụchi

fill (e.g. hole with debris)

-wụfù

pour away

-wụnye

pour into

-wụpù

pour out; throw out (esp. liquids)

-wụrà

spread out and divide

370

-wụsa

A. pour into a particular place (liquids, kernels)

B. place, put down upon (cloth or many objects)

-wụsị

throw away, pour away, spill (liquids)

-wụ 3.

buy (palm kernels, gunpowder) (originally derived from -wụ

2., since kernels and gunpowder must be poured into

container in order to buy them)

-wụ ntụ

buy gunpowder

-wụta

to buy (kernels):

Anà m èje ịwūta akụ n’Àfò-Nnoòbì I am going to buy some

kernels at Àfò-Nnoòbì market

-wụ 4.

excise; pluck out

-wụ akpù

cut, excise a tumour, growth

-wù

jump (cf. -kwụ 5.)

òwùwù

jumping

-wùbà

jump into

-wùdà

jump down

-wùfè

jump over

-wù ìkpòtọ

skip, gambol (as a young animal)

-wùni enū

jump up

-wù ọsọ

race

ya, nya

pron.

independent, object and possessive, 3rd pers. sg. For some

speakers, nya is the usual subject form while ya is the object

and possessive form, except that nya occurs after a nasal) he;

him; his; she; her; it; its:

Nya bìa ebe à Let him come here:

Fâ fùlù ya They saw him:

Edèlù m nyà akwụkwọ I wrote to him

nya bù nà

that is to say

nya kà ... jì

for that reason; so; therefore:

Ibè bìàlù ọlụ n’ogè n’ùtụtū à, nya kà e jì rọ yā òfu n’ime

ndị gā-eje nnene akwụkwọ Ibe was punctual at work this

morning; that is why he was chosen as one of the people who

are going to sit the examination

nya kpàtàlù

therefore; for that reason

ya nà ònwe yā

he himself; she herself

ya nwà

he himself; she herself

ǹkè ya

his; her; hers; its

ndịǹkè nya

his own people

sòọsò ya

only him, her, it

371

-yà

A. suffer from (disease); endure

-yà ọyà

suffer illness; be sick; suffer from disease:

Ọ nà-ayā òkpoòmìlì She is suffering from rheumatism:

Ọ nà-ayà ọyā ōzịza She is suffering from a swelling disease

(àrụ) -ya

be sick:

Àrụ nà-ayā ya He is sick

B. suffer from misfortune (brought by a person):

(fig.) Ọ bù Òfọ kà ànyị nà-ayà It is Ọfọ who worries us

(fig.) Adā ayā gī àyà No one can suffer from you! (Used in

reply to someone who boasts he can harm one)

yaà!

int.

exclamatory shout to frighten, call attention

yàbaàsì

onion (Allium cepa Linn.) (Pidgin yàbaàs)

-yà-tọ

open forcibly

myàtọ ọnū

opening of mouth forcibly, especially of another person or

animal (abusing the speaker)

-yà-tò +

v.:

-yàtò ọnū

be vulgar in speech

-yi 1.

wear

-yi àfè

wear cloth

-yi akpụkpọ ụkwū

wear shoes

-yi akwà

wear cloth

-yi àwòlò

wear mask

-yibe

clothe; put clothes on someone (e.g. a child)

-yikpò

clothe, put clothing on so as to cover up something:

Yikpò ọnya dī gị n’afọ àfè Wear clothing over the sore on

your abdomen

-yikwàsị

put on (clothing, mask, etc.)

-yilị

wear

-yilị àfè

put on clothes:

Yìlị àfè gị Put on your shirt (or clothes)

-yipù

take off (clothing, mask, etc.)

-yipù àwòlò

take off mask; unmask:

Yipū àwòlò Take the mask off (yourself)

-yi 2.

resemble; be like, alike:

Àdâ yìlì nne yā Àda resembles her mother:

Ife ēyi nnwa There is nothing like a child (used as a name)

eyī uchè

quite unexpected

àtù eyī

not exactly describable

òyiyi

resembling; being (a)like; likeness; resemblance

-yi + 3.

-yi àkwa

lay eggs:

Òkụkò m nà-èyi ākwa My fowl is laying eggs

-yi 4.

cut (human and animal flesh and soft objects)

372

-yikasị

cut oneself open

-yitọ

cut free; cut

-yiwa

cut open, across, into two

-yiwa òlòma

cut orange into half

-yi + 5.

cause

-yi atụtọ

tickle

-yi egwù

frighten

-yi ǹtàtàlabù,

tickle in armpit

ǹtàtabùlabù

-yi 6.

A. turn

-yigbu

turn upon and kill

myigbu

slander; craftiness; evil

B. paddle (e.g. turn paddle in water)

-yido

put ashore

-yifè

paddle, ferry across

-yi ùgbà

to dive:

Anà m èje iyī ùgbà nà mmilī I am going to the stream to dive

-yi ụgbọ

paddle canoe

-yì 1., -wì 1.

A. be, go together; accompany one another in doing

something:

Mụ nà enyì m gà-ayì je Nnọkwà echi My friend and I will

go (together) to Nnọkwa tomorrow:

Mụ nà Ọgụgùâ yì je mmīli Ọgụgua and myself went to the

stream together

òyìyì, òwìwì

going together

-yìlị

go together:

Bìa kà ànyị yìlị jee nkū Come, let us go together to fetch the

firewood

-yì òyì

be friends

B. have illicit sex with a woman:

Èkê chòlù ịyì Àda Eke wanted to have illicit sex with Ada

-yì òyì

be lovers; commit adultery, fornication:

Ayìnà òyì Do not commit adultery

-yì 1., -wì 2.

-wì ala, -yì ala

be mad:

Ì nà-awì alā? Are you mad?

-yọ

beg

òyịyọ

begging

-yọ ayìyọ

A. beg; beseech; pray

B. beg for alms

-yọ mgba

challenge to a wrestling contest

-yọta

receive by begging

onye ayìyọ

beggar

373

-yò 1.

drizzle (of rain); sprinkle:

Mmilī nà-ayò The rain is drizzling:

Yòọ nnī afù nwantịntị nnū Sprinkle some salt on the food

-yòkpọ

flap (in the face)

-yò 2.

sift

-yòcha

sift (to separate chaff or foreign body)

-yòchapù

sift out

-yòghalị

shake:

Ọ yòghàlìlù ọgwù afù He shook the medicine

-yòkpọ

sift to a fine powder

-yòta

sieve out

-yò ùsàkà

shake a musical calabash

yụ

pron.

you; thou; thee (less common than gị)

-za 1.

(no vowel suffix) answer; reply:

Za m Answer me:

Achòlù m kà ị za akwụkwọ ǹkaà ọsọōsọ I want you to reply

to this letter quickly

òzịza

answer; reply

-za afà

bear a name; answer to one's name

-za azìza

answer query

-zado

give (moral) support; prop up

-za letà

reply to letter

-za mmụō

be dedicated to a spirit by taking its name

-za òkù

answer a call:

O jèlù ịzā òkù He has gone to answer a call

-za 2.

swell (of animal body):

Ọ bụlụ nà ị jērọ gba ụkwụ nā-esògbu gī ọgwù ọ gà-àza If

you do not go for an injection, your bad leg will become

swollen:

Ụkwụ m gbàjìlì n’ùtụtù àzago The leg that I fractured in the

morning has swollen up

òzịza

swelling (of animal body)

afọ ōzịza

flatulence

-za àza

swell; be swollen:

Ụkwụ gī nà-àza āza Your leg is becoming swollen:

Ò gịnī kpàtàlù ụkwụ gī jì za āza? Why is your leg swollen?

-zachi

become so swollen as to cover up spaces or orifices in an

organ, e.g. eyes, ears, etc.:

Anya gī ìbùọ àzachigo Your two eyes have become so

374

swollen as to cover up the eyeballs completely

-zakpò

swell and cover up something completely

ǹzịza

swelling; bump

-zà 1.

sweep

òzìzà

sweeping

-zà àzà

sweep:

A gà-azà ụnò afù àzà The room shall be swept

-zàchapù

sweep out

-zàkpò

sweep something over something (e.g. vomit) so as to cover it

completely

-zànye

sweep into

-zà 2.

A. filter; skim (off)

òzìzà

filtering

B. (fig.) be reduced in weight; be lean, thin (as result of

abnormal condition, e.g. worry, illness, etc.):

Agū azàgo Agụ has lost weight

-ze 1.

collapse; slip down; fall down (of wall, house, etc.); sink (of

raised path); cave in

-ze eze = -ze

-zekpùdo

sink over; collapse over

-ze + 2.

v.:

-ze ume

sigh; snort

-ze uzelē

sneeze

-ze + 3.

v.:

-ze ọdū

make a palm branch booth on a farm

-zè 1.

dodge; shrink from; beware of; avoid; prevent:

Ndị aghā nà-amù etu e sì ezè mgbō The soldiers learn how

to dodge bullets

òzìzè

dodging; shrinking from; avoiding

-zèdo

take shelter, protect oneself

-zè èzè = -zè:

Anà m ezē yā èzè I try to avoid him

-zè izìzè

loathe; abhor

-zèlụ = -zè

-zè(lụ) anwū

shelter from sun

-zè(lụ) mmilī

shelter from rain

-zè ǹdò

take shelter from sun

-zè ndù

be afraid of; avoid (from fear); shun; beware of; fear for one's

life:

Ọ nà-ezè ndù He fears for his life

ife izè

thing to avoid; offensive thing

ife izè ǹdò

shelter

ìzè, ǹzè

avoidance (of disaster, etc.):

375

O nwèlù ǹzè He has good luck (naturally or by use of charms)

-zè 2.

ext. suff. 1.

melting

-gbazè

melt:

Ọ gà-àgbazè It will melt

-sizè

melt by placing over the fire:

Ọ nà-èsizē ūde He is melting the pomade over the fire

-zi 1.

teach; instruct; show

-zi àzụ akā

be insincere (lit. show the back of the hand)

-zi ụzò

show the way:

Zi m ụzò Show me the way

-kụzi

teach; instruct

onye nkụzi

teacher; instructor

-zi + 2.

be straight, right, upright:

Ife ọ mèlù zìlì èzi His action is right

-zi ezi n’ìwu

be legal, lawful:

Ife ọ mèlù zìlì èzi n’ìwu His action is legal

-zi n’anya

convince; please (employer) with work

-dozi

repair; correct; rectify

-kwezi ụta

re-string a bow

-lụzi

rectify; correct

-mezi

repair; rectify; correct

-zi 3.

lower (e.g. load)

òzizi

lowering

-zidà

descend; get down from vehicle; put down a load; lower

bucket into well

-zido

help put down load; put down load from the head

-zi ibu

put down load from head

-zitù

put down load from the head

-zi 4.

borrow:

Ọ nà-èje izī egō He is going to borrow some money

-zinye

lend:

Bikō zìnye m ego ītọ Please lend me thirty kobo.

nzinye

lending

-zita

borrow:

Jèe zìta ǹkàtà naàbò Go and borrow (and bring) two baskets

nzili, nzita

borrowing

-zì 1.

send; send on errand; assign work to; deliver message:

Zìe m Send me

-zìdàta

send down:

Zidàta ngọzị Gī Send down Thy blessings

-zìfìè

deliver wrong message; mislead (by message):

Ò gịnī kpàtàlù ị jì zifìè ozi m zìlì gị? Why did you deliver a

message different from what I sent you with?

376

-zìga

send

-zìgota

send up (towards the speaker)

-zìna

send home:

Agà m ezìna gī echi I shall send you home tomorrow

-zìnaba

send home; dismiss:

Zìnaba ānyị n’ùdo Send us home in peace or Dismiss us in

peace

-zì ozi

send, deliver message; send on errand; assign work to:

Ì chòlù izì m ozi? Do you want to send me on an errand? or,

Do you want to give me some work to do?:

Ezìlì m nyà ozi I have sent her on an errand

-zìpù

send forth; send out; send; despatch:

Ezīpùgo m nwa òdìbò m kà o je kpọọlụ m Agnes I have

sent out my servant to call me Agnes:

Ì zipùgo akwụkwọ ī? Have you despatched your letter?

-zipù letà

post, send out letter

-zìsà

disseminate; broadcast; spread:

Achòlù m kà ụnū nà ònwe ụnù jee zisàa ozi bànyelụ ịfe

ànyị fùlù n’ùtụtū à I want you yourselves to go and spread

the news about what we saw this morning

-zìte

send (towards the speaker):

Zìte mmadù naàbò Send two persons.

O zìtèlù m ozi He sent me a message.

-zì + 2.

v.:

-zìchà

blow the nose; snort

-zì imi

blow the nose; expel mucus from the nose

-zi-zò

mimic; mock (= -ji-jè)

zị 1.

enc.

after(wards); now (after something else); (with neg.) any

Bìàbazịa! You can come now!:

Emesịzịa ànyị gà-àfụ We shall see afterwards:

Ife ǹkaà ò dìzì mmā? But is this thing good (as it is now)?:

Kà ọ dịzịa nọòfụ That is enough now:

Kèdụ zị? How?:

Ò gịnī zị? And why? Why? or, What is it now?:

Ọ mèsìzìàlù bịa bē m He came to my house afterwards:

Ụnù gụsizịa egwū ùnù èjee lie nni ụnù After you have

finished singing you should go and have your meal:

Nwatā à adī èjezi akwụkwọ This boy is not going to school

any more:

Ì gwarōzị m You never told me after all

zị 2.

enc.

also:

Ọ dìàzì mmā She is also beautiful:

377

E jì mmà ebè ịfē, e jìàzì yà ègwu ànì A knife is used for

cutting things, it is also used for digging:

Ndị ọmâ dì n’Òbòdò Oyìbo, ndi ọjọō dìàzì ebe afù There

are good people in the United Kingdom, but bad people are

also there

-zo 1.

hide:

Anà m èje izō mmà m I am going to hide my knife

òzuzo

hiding

-zobe

hide from; be hidden (from):

Anà m èje izōbe mmà m I am going to hide my knife

-zo èzo

hide; be hidden, in hiding:

O zòlù èzo He has hidden, or, He is in hiding:

Ì nà-èzo ēzo?

Are you hiding?

-zobe èzobe

be hidden (from); hide from:

Kpakpaǹdò afù zòbèlù èzobe The star is hidden

-zofù

become lost or disappear by hiding; lose by hiding; be lost by

hiding; become forever hidden; hide away

nzofù

hiding away:

Agà m èzofū ōnwe m n’Òbòdò Oyìbo I shall hide myself

away in the U.K.:

Ezōfùgo m mmà m I have lost my knife by hiding it; I have

hidden my knife away

-zofù èzofù

hide away

-zoghalị

hide about:

Àda nà-èzoghalị n’ime ògìgè Ada is hiding about in the yard

-zonarị

hide from; be hidden from:

Ọ gà-èzonarị gī He (it) will hide, be hidden from you

-zopù

hid away:

Ọjì èzopùgo onwe yā Ọjị has hidden himself away

-da ǹzuzo

hide oneself

-me nzofù

hide away; become perpetually hidden

ǹzuzo, ǹzuzō

hiding; secret

ife nzuzo

secret thing

-zo 2.

tie

-zochi

knot:

Zòchie elili Knot the rope

-zo 3.

point; point at

-zo aka

point at; point with the hand

-zò

rain

òzùzò

raining:

Mmilī gà-ezò It will rain

mmili òzùzò

rain

-zọ 1.

heal; save; defend; claim; side with; contest

378

òzụzọ

claiming; claim

-zọdọ

A. withhold; keep back; be selfish

B. protect

-zọ ezè

contest for chieftaincy title

-zọ ndù

save life

-zọ ọkwa

contest for a post

-zọ ọnòdù

contest for a seat, position, post

-zọpùta

deliver; save; heal

Onye nzọpùta Saviour

-zọta

obtain by struggling, contesting, or laying strong claims to

-zọ 2.

transplant; plant (cutting only)

-zọ osè

transplant pepper

-zọ osisi

transplant tree, plant tree cuttings

-zọ 3.

ext. suff. 1.

forget (restricted to verbs meaning 'think')

-chèzọ

forget

-lòzọ

forget:

O lòzọgo afà ya She has forgotten his name

-zò 1.

tread; step

òzùzò

treading; stepping

-zò ajā

tread mud for building

-zòfìè ụkwụ

miss a step; step into a wrong place or spot

-zògbu

tread to death

-zòji

break, snap by stepping on

-zòkwàsị

tread upon

-zònye

step in; presume; insinuate

-zòtò

tread in any sort of filth; tread till it becomes soft and messy

-zò ụkwụ

step

-zòwata

come (esp. occasionally and unexpectedly)

-zò 2.

bet; offer, lay, wager

-zò ìwu = -zò

-zò n’ibē

stand surety for; bail

-zò ǹzò

lay, offer, wager; make a bet

-zu

steal

-zu egō

steal money

-zu orī

steal

-zuta

obtain by stealing

-zù 1.

meet; encounter

-zùkọ

meet; assemble; collide

nzùkọ

meeting; council

-kpọ nzùkọ

call meeting

-zùkọta

meet, assemble, together

-zùte, -zùta

meet, welcome visitor by deliberately going out to meet him

on the way or at a place, e.g. motor park

379

-zù 2.

be complete, correct; suffice; fulfil

-zù èzù

be complete, sufficient, correct:

O zùlù èzù It is correct

-zù òkè

be correct; suffice; be complete, perfect, sufficient

-zù ọnū

be complete; be enough to go round

-zù + 3.

v.:

-zù ike

rest

èzùmike

rest; leave

-zù ike ọlū

rest from work

-zùlụ ike

take (long) rest; retire:

(fig.) Onye nwụlụ ò zùlụ ikē If anyone dies he goes to his

rest or, He who dies goes to his rest:

Jèe zùlụ ikē! Go and rest! (sometimes figuratively, when

addressing a troublesome person)

-zù 4.

determine; purpose; plan; deliberate

-zùbe

determine; purpose; plan

-zù ìzù

hold a meeting, council

-zùpùta

invent

nzupùta

invention

-zùsà

alter a plan; abandon a purpose

nzusà

alteration of plan; caprice

ìzù

A. meeting, council

B. whisper

-zu-zò +

v.:

-zuzò èzuzò

mimic

-zu-zù

be foolish, stupid

nzuzù

foolishness; stupidity; folly

onye nzuzù

stupid, foolish person

-zuzù èzuzù

act foolishly, stupidly

-me nzuzù

be foolish, stupid; act stupidly, foolishly

-zụ 1.

buy; purchase

òzụzụ

buying; purchasing

-zụ afịa

trade; hold market; buy and sell in market

-zụchapù

buy all

-zụgbu

cheat in marketing or in bargaining for commodity

-zụnye

buy and give or present to another:

Zùnye m àkpà Buy me a bag

-zụta

buy (and bring)

-zụ + 2.

play game involving board, cards, etc.

-zụ akụ

A. play the game akụ or òkwè (Yoruba ayò)

B. play board or card games in general

-zụ òkwè

A. play òkwè

B. play board or card games in general

380

-zù 1.

feed; nurse; nourish; train; train up; tend

òzùzù

nursing; nourishing; training; tending

òzùzù nkụzi

teacher training:

Adâ nò òzùzù nkụzi Ada is doing teacher training:

Ọ bù m nà-azù Ikē I am the one who is training Ike

-zùba

continue to feed, nurse, train, train up, tend; be in the habit of

feeding, nursing, etc.:

Ànyî chòlù kà ị zùba Ndù We want you to be training (or to

begin to train) Ndụ

-zụbì

spoil; train badly

-zù mọō (mụō)

look after deities

-zùnita

rear; bring up; educate; train up:

Ndù azùnitago Ùgònnwā Ndụ has trained Ugonnwa up

-zùpùta

train through:

Ànyị āzụpùtago Ndù na nnukwu ụnò akwụkwọ a nà-àkpọ

University We have trained Ndụ through the University

-zùsị

finish training, tending

-zùtò

train up badly; spoil

-zùto

train, rear up

-zù-na

consume:

Ìmìlìkiti ife nwokē afū zùtàlù n’Àba n’ọnwa gālụ àga

àzùnago n’ime ọkū Many of the goods bought by the man at

Aba last month have perished in the fire

-zù-zù

massage; caress; stroke

-zụzù aka

stroke with hand

381